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Advanced Chemistry — Electrochemistry

Redox reactions, electrochemical cells, and the Nernst equation

R
redox_reactor 21 terms Feb 20, 2026
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Terms 21

1
Oxidation
Loss of electrons; increase in oxidation state; OIL in OILRIG
2
Reduction
Gain of electrons; decrease in oxidation state; RIG in OILRIG
3
Galvanic (Voltaic) Cell
Spontaneous redox reaction generates electrical energy; ΔG < 0
4
Electrolytic Cell
Electrical energy drives nonspontaneous redox reaction; ΔG > 0; electroplating, electrolysis
5
Anode
Electrode where oxidation occurs; negative in galvanic, positive in electrolytic
6
Cathode
Electrode where reduction occurs; positive in galvanic, negative in electrolytic
7
Standard Reduction Potential (E°)
Tendency of species to be reduced under standard conditions (1 M, 1 atm, 25°C, vs SHE)
8
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
Reference electrode; E° = 0.000 V by definition; H⁺ + e⁻ → ½H₂
9
Cell Potential (E°_cell)
E°_cell = E°_cathode − E°_anode; positive means spontaneous
10
Relationship ΔG and E°
ΔG° = −nFE°; n = moles electrons, F = 96,485 C/mol (Faraday constant)
11
Relationship E° and Keq
E° = (RT/nF)ln(Keq) = (0.0592/n)log(Keq) at 25°C
12
Nernst Equation
E = E° − (RT/nF)ln(Q) = E° − (0.0592/n)log(Q); cell potential under nonstandard conditions
13
Concentration Cell
Galvanic cell with same electrode but different concentrations; E = 0 at equilibrium
14
Faraday's Laws of Electrolysis
Mass deposited ∝ charge passed; moles = q/(nF) where q = It (charge = current × time)
15
Salt Bridge
Connects half-cells; maintains electrical neutrality by ion migration; usually KCl in agar
16
Half-Reaction Method
Balance redox in acidic/basic solution: balance atoms, charge with H⁺/OH⁻ and e⁻
17
Corrosion
Spontaneous oxidation of metals; electrochemical process; iron rusting (Fe → Fe²⁺ + 2e⁻)
18
Cathodic Protection
Preventing corrosion by making structure the cathode; sacrificial anode (Mg or Zn) oxidizes instead
19
Overpotential
Additional voltage beyond thermodynamic minimum required for electrolysis; due to activation energy
20
Fuel Cell
Electrochemical cell converting fuel + O₂ directly to electricity; no combustion; H₂ fuel cells
21
Lithium-Ion Battery
Li⁺ shuttles between electrodes; graphite anode, LiCoO₂ cathode; rechargeable; high energy density