Electrolysis and Corrosion Flashcard

Front

What is cathodic protection and how does it prevent corrosion?

Back

Cathodic protection is a method used to prevent corrosion of a metal surface by making it the cathode of an electrochemical cell. This is often achieved by coating the metal with a more reactive metal, such as zinc, which sacrifices itself to protect the underlying metal.

Front

What is an electrolytic cell?

Back

An electrolytic cell is a type of electrochemical cell that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It consists of two electrodes (anode and cathode) immersed in an electrolyte.

Front

How do you calculate total charge in a circuit?

Back

Total charge (Q) can be calculated using the formula Q = I × t, where I is the current in amperes and t is the time in seconds.

Front

What is a sacrificial anode and how is it used in corrosion prevention?

Back

A sacrificial anode is a metal that is more reactive than the metal it is protecting. It is used in corrosion prevention by being placed in contact with the metal structure, corroding instead of the protected metal.

Front

What is the significance of Faraday's constant (F) in electrochemistry?

Back

Faraday's constant (approximately 96,500 C/mol) represents the amount of electric charge per mole of electrons. It is used to relate the amount of substance consumed or produced in an electrochemical reaction to the charge passed.

Front

What is the relationship between current, charge, and time?

Back

The relationship is given by the formula I = Q/t, where I is the current in amperes, Q is the charge in coulombs, and t is the time in seconds.

Front

What is the role of electrons in a reduction reaction?

Back

In a reduction reaction, electrons are gained by a species, resulting in a decrease in its oxidation state.

Front

What materials can be used as sacrificial anodes?

Back

Common materials used as sacrificial anodes include magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), and aluminum (Al), as they are more reactive than the metals they protect.

Front

What is the electrochemical series and its importance?

Back

The electrochemical series is a list of elements arranged by their standard electrode potentials. It helps predict the direction of electron flow in electrochemical reactions and the feasibility of reactions.

Front

How does voltage affect the electrolysis process?

Back

Voltage provides the necessary energy to drive the electrolysis process. Higher voltage can increase the rate of electrolysis but may also lead to unwanted side reactions.