Define interfacial potential differences - galvanic cell, Chemistry

Assignment Help:

Define Interfacial potential differences?

What is the source of an open-circuit, zero-current cell potential? When no electric current passes through the cell, the electric potential must be uniform within each bulk phase that is an electrical conductor, because otherwise there would be a spontaneous movement of charged particles (electrons or ions) through the phase. Electric potential differences in a cell without current therefore exist only at phase boundaries. The equilibrium cell potential is the cumulative result of these potential differences at interfaces between different conducting phases within the cell. An interfacial potential difference appears as a vertical step in a profile of the Galvani potential, as shown schematically in Fig.(a). The zero-current cell potential, Ecell, eq, is the algebraic sum of the interfacial potential differences within the cell.

 

1940_Measuring the equilibrium cell potential.png

When an external resistor is connected to the terminals to form a circuit, current passes through the cell and the cell performs electrical work on the surroundings. Figure (b) shows what happens to the potential profile in this case: the interfacial potential differences are still present within the cell, and the internal resistance of the electrical conductors causes Ecell to be reduced in magnitude compared to Ecell, eq. We shall next look briefly at the origin and consequences of potential differences at interfaces between (1) two different metals, (2) a metal and an electrolyte solution, and (3) two different electrolyte solutions. Keep in mind that these potential differences are theoretical concepts whose values cannot be measured experimentally.


Related Discussions:- Define interfacial potential differences - galvanic cell

Atomic structure-electrons and nuclei, Electrons and nuclei   The fami...

Electrons and nuclei   The familiar planetary model of the atom was proposed by Rutherford in 1912 following experiments by Geiger and Marsden showing that all the mass of an

NMR, Shielding of proton by electrons

Shielding of proton by electrons

Explain chemical equilibrium, Q. What do you know about Chemical Equilibriu...

Q. What do you know about Chemical Equilibrium Many chemical changes are reversible and will proceed towards an equilibrium instead of going to completion. The products react w

Acidity of alcohol and phenol, observation reaction of alcohol and phenol w...

observation reaction of alcohol and phenol with sodium hydroxide

How to calculate atomic number, Q. How to calculate atomic number? Atom...

Q. How to calculate atomic number? Atoms have no net electrical charge for the reason that they contain equal numbers of electrons and protons. Therefore positive charges (prot

Atoms, how to find atomicity of an element

how to find atomicity of an element

Explain lyophilic and lyophobic sols, Illustrate with examples: (a) Lyo...

Illustrate with examples: (a) Lyophilic and Lyophobic sols (b) Multimolecular and Macromolecular colloids (c) Homogeneous and Heterogeneous catalysis.

Determine how many moles of compound of buffer solution, Assume that we wan...

Assume that we want to make buffer by dissolving in water some amount of the compound which we selected by the table as given below; After that adding either strong acid (f

Hydrogen., what are the chemical properties of protium, deuterium and triti...

what are the chemical properties of protium, deuterium and tritium.

Hybridization, Which of following carbon has sp3 hybriziation for bond form...

Which of following carbon has sp3 hybriziation for bond formation.??? Ch3,c2h6,(ch3)3cho

Write Your Message!

Captcha
Free Assignment Quote

Assured A++ Grade

Get guaranteed satisfaction & time on delivery in every assignment order you paid with us! We ensure premium quality solution document along with free turntin report!

All rights reserved! Copyrights ©2019-2020 ExpertsMind IT Educational Pvt Ltd