Explain salt bridge with its functions., Chemistry

Assignment Help:

Salt bridge is a U-shaped tube containing a semi-solid paste of some inert electrolyte like KCl, KNO3, NH4Cl, etc. in agar-agar and gelatin. An inert electrolyte is one which:

(a) Does not react chemically with the solutions in either of the component.

(b) Does not interface with the net cell reaction.

Function of the salt bridge

In the electrochemical cell a salt bridge serves two very important functions:

(i) It allows the flow of current by completing the circuit 

(ii)
 It maintains electrical neutrality.

The transference of electrons from anode to cathode leads to net positive charge around the anode due to increase in the concentration of cations and net negative charge around the cathode due to excess of anions in solutions. The positive charge around the anode will prevent electrons to flow out from it and the negative charge around the cathode will prevent the inflow of electrons at it. The reaction would then, stop, and no current will flow. The salt bridge comes to aid and restores the electrneutrality of the solutions in the two compartments. It contains concentrated solutions of an inert electrolyte the ions of which are not involved in electrochemical reactions. The anions of the electrolyte in the salt bridge migrate to the anode compartment and cations to the cathode compartment. Therefore, the salt bridge prevents the buildup of charges and preserves the flow of current. In the electrochemical cell, the salt bridge can be replaced by the porous partition which allows the migration of ions but does not allow mixing of the two solutions.

 

 


Related Discussions:- Explain salt bridge with its functions.

A simple set of diagrams to demonstrate dna replicat, ..a simple set of dia...

..a simple set of diagrams to demonstrate dna replication at the biochemical level

Find series of hydrogen atom spectrum electronic transition, In Balmer seri...

In Balmer series of hydrogen atom spectrum which electronic transition causes third line: (1) Fifth Bohr orbit to second one (2) Fifth Bohr orbit to first one (3) Fourth

Classification of organic compounds, Q. Classification of Organic Compounds...

Q. Classification of Organic Compounds?Groups of Organic Compounds? Ans. Organic compounds are classified on the basis of their functional groups. The common groups of org

Illustrate structure of the water molecule, Q. Illustrate Structure of the ...

Q. Illustrate Structure of the Water Molecule? Ans. A water molecule is composed of two hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom covalently bonded together. The following anim

Calculate the flow rates, Low-grade phosphate rock can be upgraded by flota...

Low-grade phosphate rock can be upgraded by flotation processing. In this process the low-grade rock is grounded into a powder and suspended as a water slurry. The addition of smal

What is galvanic cell, A Galvanic cell or voltaic cell or electrochemical c...

A Galvanic cell or voltaic cell or electrochemical cell is a system in which a spontaneous chemical oxidation- reduction happens and makes electrical energy.

Electrodic potential, calculate the electrode potential of a platinum elect...

calculate the electrode potential of a platinum electrode immersed in a solution containing Ce4 + ions (cCe4 + = 0.05M) and Ce3 + ions (cCe3 + = 0.1M)

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