Galvanic Cell

Galvanic Cell

Materials

-2 beakers

-U tube (salt bridge)

Electric wires

Alligator clips

Voltmeter

Zn strip

Cu strip

Solution containing Zn ions

Solution containing Cu ions

Procedure

Dip Zn strip in a beaker containing Zn ²⁺ solution

Dip Cu strip in a beaker containing Cu²⁺ strip

Connect the 2 beakers by using a salt bridge

Connect the two electrodes to a voltmeter by using connecting wires and alligator clips

Note

Anode (-): Is an electrode where oxidation process takes place

Cathode(+): Is an electrode where reduction process takes place

Chemical reactions:

Anode: Oxidation half reaction

Zn-------> Zn²⁺ +2e-

Cathode: Reduction Half reaction

Cu²⁺ +2e------> Cu

Overall reaction:

Zn +Cu²⁺ -----> Zn²⁺+ Cu

Cell Notation

Anode - Salt bridge- Cathode

Generally: M₁/M₁ⁿ⁺ - salt bridge- M₂ⁿ⁺/M₂

_{Example: Zn/Zn}²⁺ _{- salt bridge - Cu}²⁺_/Cu

Multiple Choice

At the anode:

• Oxidation Reaction takes place

• Reduction Reaction takes place