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

Moles, when 100ml of M/10 H2S04 is mixed with 500ml of M/10 NaOH then natur...

when 100ml of M/10 H2S04 is mixed with 500ml of M/10 NaOH then nature of resulting solution and normality of excess of reactant left isum 100 words accepted#

Empirical formula, Empirical formula Empirical formula of a substance p...

Empirical formula Empirical formula of a substance provides the simplest whole number ratio among the atoms of the various elements exist in one molecule of the elements. For i

Isomerism in coordination compounds, Q. Isomerism in Coordination Compounds...

Q. Isomerism in Coordination Compounds? You have already learnt about isomerism in your earlier studies. The phenomenon of isomerism is not restricted to organic compounds only

Uses of selenium, Q. Uses of selenium? Uses of selenium include photoco...

Q. Uses of selenium? Uses of selenium include photocopying process of xerography, decobrisation of glasses and as a catalytic agent particularly in the isomerisation of certain

Word root - iupac system of naming organic compounds, Word root - IUPAC Sys...

Word root - IUPAC System of Naming Organic Compounds The word root represents the number of carbon atoms that are present in the chain. Table : Chain le

Explain cyclobutane, Explain Cyclobutane Cyclobutane undergoes an inte...

Explain Cyclobutane Cyclobutane undergoes an interconversion of puckered forms analogous to the chair interconversion of cyclohexane. This interchanges axial and equatorial gr

Oxidation no., how to count two oxidation no. of Cl in Ca(OCl)Cl?

how to count two oxidation no. of Cl in Ca(OCl)Cl?

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