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

Explain about peroxoacids of sulphur, Q. Explain about Peroxoacids of Sulph...

Q. Explain about Peroxoacids of Sulphur? There are two peroxoacids of sulphur, viz., peroxomonosulphuric acid, H 2 SO 5 , and peroxodisulphuric acid, H 2 S 2 O,. These acids ar

The magnetic quantum number for valency electrons of sodium, The magnetic q...

The magnetic quantum number for valency electrons of sodium is: (1) 3        (2) 2         (3) 1       (4) 0 Ans: 0

Polyfunctional organic compounds, Polyfunctional Organic Compounds Orga...

Polyfunctional Organic Compounds Organic elements that have two or more functional groups are known polyfunctional compounds. Their IUPAC names are acquired as follows, 1. P

12.23, sodium 4-oxo-2-pentenoate

sodium 4-oxo-2-pentenoate

Various tests involved in sensory evaluation of foods, Q. Tests for sensory...

Q. Tests for sensory evaluation? Tests for sensory evaluation are of three types: • Difference testing - This is the sensory testing designed to determine whether detectabl

Draw the structures of white phosphorus and red phosphorus, Draw the struct...

Draw the structures of white phosphorus and red phosphorus. Which one of these two types of phosphorus is more reactive and why?

Iron, What is Fe+HCI

What is Fe+HCI

Enzymatic action is highly specific, Why can it be said that the enzymatic ...

Why can it be said that the enzymatic action is highly specific? Ans) The enzymatic action is highly particular because only particular substrates of one enzyme bind to the acti

Principle of chromatography-purification of organic compound, Principle of ...

Principle of chromatography - Purification of organic compounds The method of chromatography is based on the difference in the rates at which the components of a mixture move t

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