Understanding Cell Potentials and Reference Cells

The video tutorial explains how to calculate the cell potential of electrochemical cells, distinguishing between voltaic and electrolytic cells. It introduces two methods for calculation: the 'top minus bottom' method and the 'cathode minus anode' method. The tutorial also covers more complex mastery questions and the concept of changing reference cells, providing examples and explanations for each topic.

What does a positive cell potential indicate in an electrochemical cell?

• The reaction is at equilibrium.

• Energy is required for the reaction.

• The reaction is non-spontaneous.

• Energy is provided by the reaction.

In the 'top minus bottom' method, what is subtracted from what?

• Bottom number from top number

• Top number from bottom number

• Cathode potential from anode potential

• Anode potential from cathode potential

Which of the following is true about the 'top minus bottom' method?

• It requires identifying the cathode and anode.

• It is a shortcut that simplifies calculations.

• It requires complex calculations.

• It is only applicable to voltaic cells.

What is the main difference between Method 1 and Method 2 for calculating cell potential?

• Method 2 requires identifying the cathode and anode, Method 1 does not.

• Method 1 uses reduction potentials, Method 2 does not.

• Method 1 is more accurate than Method 2.

• Method 2 is only applicable to electrolytic cells.

In Method 2, what is subtracted from what to find the cell potential?

• Cathode's oxidation potential from anode's oxidation potential

• Anode's oxidation potential from cathode's oxidation potential

• Cathode's reduction potential from anode's reduction potential

• Anode's reduction potential from cathode's reduction potential

What is a mastery question likely to involve?

• Only electrolytic cells

• Only voltaic cells

• Reactions not found in data booklets

• Simple calculations using data booklets

What happens when you change the reference cell in a data booklet?

• The cell potential of the battery changes.

• The reference point for measuring potentials changes.

• The chemical reaction changes.

• The physical properties of the cell change.

If the reference cell is changed to iodine, what happens to the potential of cobalt?

• It remains unchanged.

• It becomes negative.

• It becomes positive.

• It becomes zero.

Why is the concept of changing reference cells important?

• It affects the actual voltage of the battery.

• It is only a theoretical concept with no practical use.

• It helps in understanding relative potential differences.

• It changes the chemical composition of the cell.

What analogy is used to explain changing reference cells?

• A waterfall and a hill

• A mountain and a valley

• A tree and a hole in the ground

• A river and a dam