Chapter 21, Problem 30A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The term half-cell needs to be explained.

Concept Introduction: In electrochemistry, the relationship between electrical potential differences and potential differences due to chemical change is explained. The two types of cells that can be studied in electrochemistry are electrolytic cells and voltaic cells. In electrolytic cells, redox reactions are produced with the help of current. Here, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy.

Explanation of Solution

In an electrolyte or voltaic cell, a half-cell is half of the cell where either oxidation or reduction takes place. Here, two half-cells are the anode and cathode. At the anode, oxidation takes place and at the cathode, reduction takes place.

The overall cell potential is calculated from the standard electrode potential of the half-reactions taking place in the half-cells.