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

Lipids - biomolecules, Lipids Lipids are constituents of plants and tis...

Lipids Lipids are constituents of plants and tissues that are insoluble in water although soluble in organic solvents like ether, carbon tetrachloride, chloroform, or benzene.

Covalent radius, Covalent/ionic/atomic radius of hex-1-ene

Covalent/ionic/atomic radius of hex-1-ene

Help, how much atp energy (kcal) is produced in our bodies from the convers...

how much atp energy (kcal) is produced in our bodies from the conversion of 100.0 moles of sucrose?

Stage of research prior to drug development, Problem 1: Briefly describ...

Problem 1: Briefly describe about the stage of research prior to drug development. Definition of drug development Stage of research prior to drug development P

Simple crystallisation - purification of organic compounds, Simple crystall...

Simple crystallisation - Purification of organic compounds This is the most general technique used to purify organic solids. It is associated with the concept that whenever

Anaerobic fermentation of grain , In the anaerobic fermentation of grain th...

In the anaerobic fermentation of grain the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae digests glucose from plants to create the products ethanol and propenoic acid by the following overall rea

Explain transition elements and their compounds, Explain the following obse...

Explain the following observations: (i)  Generally there is an increase in density of elements from titanium (Z = 22) to copper (z =29) in the first series of transition element

What are hexahalides, Q. What are Hexahalides? Hexahalides: S, Se-and...

Q. What are Hexahalides? Hexahalides: S, Se-and Te react with excess of fluorine to give the corresponding hexafluorides. Fluorine being the most electronegative oxidises the

Determine the spectral lines correspond to paschen series, The emission spe...

The emission spectrum of hydrogen is found to satisfy the expression for the energy change. teiangle E  (in joules) such thatTriangle E= 2.18x10(1/n 2 1 - 1/ n 2 1 ) J  where n

Matter, Q.give characterstics of matter?

Q.give characterstics of matter?

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