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

What is vulcanization, What is vulcanization The process of vulcanizati...

What is vulcanization The process of vulcanization was discovered by Charles Good Year in 1839. He found that when natural rubber is heated with sulphur, its tensile strength,

Benzene- hydrocarbon, Benzene- Hydrocarbon Benzene is the first or init...

Benzene- Hydrocarbon Benzene is the first or initial member of arenes. It was first revealed by Faraday in year 1825 from whale oil. Mitscherllich (1833) acquired it by distill

Why formal charge does not give an accurate picture, Why Formal charge does...

Why Formal charge does not give an accurate picture Formal charge does not give an accurate picture, due to O is more electronegative than H; most of the positive charge is rea

What are the various factors which affect stability?, The stability of a co...

The stability of a complex relies on 1. Nature of central ion:  the word nature means the charge density on the central ion i.e. greater is the charge density or larger the c

Physical properties of succinic acid, Physical properties of Succinic Acid ...

Physical properties of Succinic Acid  (a) Succinic Acid is a white crystalline solid. It melts at 188° C (b) Succinic Acid is less soluble in water. It is comparatively more

Sequence of amino acids histidine-glutamine-lysine in buffer, In lab, you'r...

In lab, you're having fun along with buffers based onto a 0.1 M solution of sodium phosphate at pH7.0.  Into this system, there are three of pK A s as:  12.7, 7.21 and 2.12.

Liquid propellants - monopropellants and bipropellants, Liquid propellants ...

Liquid propellants - Monopropellants and Bipropellants These contain an oxidizer like liquid oxygen, nitrogen tetroxide (N 2 O 2 ) or nitric acid and a fuel for example alcohol

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