Course Syllabus in Nat. Sci. 1L - Chemistry For Engineers
Course Syllabus in Nat. Sci. 1L - Chemistry For Engineers
2 : ENERGY
It is a fundamental entity of nature that is transferred between parts of a system in the production of physical change within the system
and usually regarded as the capacity for doing work.
It is a usable power (such as heat or electricity) which is also the resources for producing such power.
Electrochemical energy is defined as “the energy which converts electrical energy to chemical energy and vice versa.” The electrochemical
energy is related to fuel cells, photo electrochemical, and energy storage systems such as batteries, super capacitors or ultra-capacitors.
Electrochemical cell is a device capable of either generating electrical energy from chemical reactions or using electrical energy to cause
chemical reactions.
Electrochemical reaction is a process in which electrons flow between a solid electrode and substance, such as an electrolyte. This flow
triggers an electric current through the electrodes, causing the reaction to liberate or absorb heat. According to the first law of
thermodynamics, the energy given off in a chemical reaction can be converted into heat, work, or a mixture of heat and work. By running the
half-reactions in separate containers, we can force the electrons to flow from the oxidation to the reduction half-reaction through an external
wire, which allows us to capture as much as possible of the energy given off in the reaction as electrical work.
Electrochemical energy has a number of different uses, particularly in industry. The principles of cells
are used to make electrical batteries. In science and technology, a battery is a device that stores
chemical energy and makes it available in an electrical form. Batteries are made of
electrochemical devices such as one or more galvanic cells or fuel cells.
page 1
HALF- REACTION
We say that the copper has been reduced, and we could write an equation to describe this change:
𝐶𝑢_2+2eˉ → Cu (copper)
We say that the silver has been oxidized, and again we can write an equation to show the change:
page 2
Sodium, calcium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium are all ELECTROLYTES. A compound that conducts electricity by
changing into ions when melted or dissolved into a solution.
Example of an electrolyte is sodium chloride (NaCl) like salt, water softening, ice melting. Our body also contains ELECTROLYTES from the
water we drink and the food we eat; they are minerals in our body that have an electric charge (our blood, urine, tissues, and other body
fluids). It helps,
Balance the amount of water in your body.
Balance your body's acid/base (pH) level.
Move nutrients into your cells.
Move wastes out of your cells.
Make sure that your nerves, muscles, the heart, and the brain work the way they should.
page 3
Electrolytic Cell
A cell in which electrolysis occurs, consisting of an electrolyte through which current from an external source is passed, by a
system of electrodes, in order to produce a chemical reaction.
Its reaction between the electrodes and the electrolyte produce an electric current.
page 4
STANDARD REDUCTION POTENTIAL shows the potential of any half reaction when connected to a standard hydrogen electrode. We can
determine the standard cell potential for any pair of half- reactions by using the equation:
Where:
Eored is the standard reduction potential of the cathode.
Eoox is the standard reduction potential of the anode.
page 5
Solution:
(a) Using table 13.1, we find the following two half reactions;
Iron must be oxidized for combination of these two half-reaction to yield a positive cell potential:
Copper is the cathode in this cell because copper is reduced; iron is the anode because it is oxidized.
page 6
From the values of the standard reduction potentials, we can see that copper is oxidized, and silver is reduced. We then use equation 13.2 to
find the cell potential:
NONSTANDARD CONDITIONS
The equation that describes cell potential under nonstandard conditions is called the Nernst equation:
𝑹𝑻
E = Eo - 𝒏𝑭 In Q
Where:
Eo standard cell potential
n is the number of electrons transferred in the redox reaction
J C
F is the Faraday constant (96,485 V−mol or 96,485mol)
Q is the reaction quotient
R (8.314)
T temperature
aA + bB →cC + dD
[𝑪]𝒄[𝑫]𝒅
Q= [𝑨]𝒂[𝑩]𝒃
page 7
Eocell = 0.48 V
Calculate Q:
[𝑨𝒍𝟑+]𝟐 [1.50]2
Q = [𝒎𝒏𝟐+]𝟑 = [0.50]3 = 18
3 Mn2+ 6e- → 3 Mn
Al → 2 Al 3+ + 6e-
# mol e- = 6
𝑹𝑻
E = Eo - 𝒏𝑭 In Q
8.314 x 301
= 0.48 – ( )(In 18)
6 x 96,485 v
= 0.48 – 0.0125
= 0.4675
= 0.47 V
page 8
EXAMPLE 3:
Cr(s) | Cr2+ (aq) || Zn2+ (aq) | Zn(s)
What is the chemical reaction that takes place, and what is the standard free energy change for that reaction?
Solution:
First we need the balance chemical equation, which in this case can be written immediately because two electrons are transferred in each
half-reaction (n = 2):
= -28.4 kJ
page 9
page 10
Passive Electrolysis – if the electrodes are chemically inert materials that simply provide a path for electrons.
Active Electrolysis – when the electrodes are part of the electrolytic reaction.
Electroplating
Is the process of depositing a thin coat of metal by using electricity.
page 11
Solution
Ni 2+ + 2e− → Ni
1 mol Ni = 2 mol e−
Q=Ixt
1 C =1A.1s
1 mol e− = 96,485 C
Example 6:
How much current is needed to plate 5 g of copper metal on the cathode from a CuSO4 solution in 2 hours?
Solution
Cu 2+ + 2e− → Cu
1 mol Cu = 2 mol e−
1 mol Cu = 63.5 g
page 12
Mercury battery a mercury battery, it is also called a mercuric oxide battery or mercury cell, is non-rechargeable electrochemical battery.
These batteries have been used in the ship of button cells for watches, hearings aids, and calculators and in a larger form for other devices,
including walkie-talkies.
Lead batteries a lead storage battery, is also known as a lead-acid battery, is the oldest type of rechargeable battery and one of the most
common energy storage devices. And it used for vehicles, where they have the ability to provide high currents for cranking power.
page 13
3 Types of Corrosion:
1) UNIFORM CORROSION - is one of the most visible forms of corrosion.
2) GALVANIC CORROSION – occurs only when two different metals contact each other in the presence of an appropriate electrolyte.
3) CREVICE CORROSION – when two pieces of metal touch each other, they tend to leave a small gap.
CORROSION PREVENTION
Coatings
We have already noted the use of electroplating but there’s another way of protecting a material used coating practice is painting it
protects the underlying material, from exposure to water and oxygen.
CONGRATULATIONS!
You have just finished this module.
page 14