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QUESTION AND ANSWER :

1. What is meant by a redox reaction?
The reaction in which oxidation and reduction takes place simultaneously is called a redox reaction.
Oxidation: addition of O2 / removal of H2 / loss of electrons.
Reduction: addition of H2 / removal of O2 / gain of electrons.

2. What is meant by electrochemical cell?

A cell is a device which converts chemical energy in to electrical energy is called electrochemical
cell.
Electrochemical cell consists of two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte and connected externally
with a metal wire. It is also called as galvanic cell or voltaic cell
Electrode is a set up in which the metal is immersed in its salt solution.
Anode: It is a -ve electrode where the electrons leave from it, or the electrode where oxidation takes
place.
Cathode: It is a +ve electrode where the electrons Enter through it, or the electrode where reduction
takes place.
3. Define Electrode potential and standard electrode potential? How it is measured?
If a metal is in contact with solution of its own ions, the metal either gains electrons or loses
electrons. The tendency of an electrode to lose or gain electrons when it is in contact with its own ions
in the solution is called electrode potential.
The tendency to gain electrons is called “reduction potential”.
Similarly, the tendency to lose electrons is called “oxidation potential”.
Oxidation and reduction potentials of an electrode have same magnitude but opposite sign.
e.m.f of electrochemical cell:
The difference between potentials of the two half cells is known as e.m.f
Ecell = ER – EL (Both are reduction potentials)
Standard electrode potential:
The tendency of an electrode to lose or gain electrons when it is in contact with the solution of its own
ions of unit molar concentration (in case of gas electrode 1 atm pressure) at 250C is called standard
electrode potential.
Measurement of electrode potential:
It is impossible to measure the absolute value of a single electrode potential.
We can only measure the difference between two electrodes potentiometrically by combining them to
form a complete cell.
By arbitrarily fixing potential of one electrode as zero, it is possible to assign numerical values to
potentials of various electrodes.
Ex: “Standard Hydrogen Electrode”: Pt, H2 (g) (1 atm), H+ (aq) (C=1M)
All other single electrode potentials measured with respect to SHE are referred to as potentials on the
hydrogen scale.

3. What is meant by Electro chemical series? Give its Significance.

Electrochemical Series:
“The arrangement of electrodes (metals & non-metals) in increasing order of their standard reduction
potential values is called electrochemical series or electromotive or activity series.

Li, Mg, Zn, Fe --------H2 -------------- Cu, Ag, Cr, Cl2, F2

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Significance of electrochemical series:

1. Oxidizing and reducing strengths:
The metal/ non metal with low standard reduction potential(SRP) will act as strong reducing agent
while the metal/non metal with high SRP will act as strong oxidizing agent.
Top most elements in the series shows the Oxidation tendency and act as reducing agents and bottom
elements show Reduction tendency and act as Oxidizing agents.
The reducing nature decreases down the series and oxidizing nature increases down the series.
2. Displacement Tendency:
A metal with lower SRP will displaces metal with higher SRP from its solution.
Ex: Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu
EZn+2/Zn = -0.76V; ECu+2/Cu = 0.34V
3. Feasibility of a Redox reaction:
If Ecell is +ve – redox reaction is spontaneous
If Ecell is -ve − redox reaction is non spontaneous
Ecell = Ecathode – Eanode (both are SRPs)
= ER - EL
= 0.34 – (-0.76) = +1.1V
Zn + CuSO4 → ZnSO4 + Cu; Spontaneous reaction.
4. Calculation of Equilibrium costant
By the equation E= RT log Kc Kc = Equilibrium constant
nF
if E electrode potential is known Kc can be determined by above equation
5. Derive Nernst Equation for emf of a cell?
The Nernst Equation: (Effect of Solution concentration on Ecell)

𝐾
Let 𝑎𝐴+𝑏𝐵 ⇌ 𝑐𝐶+𝑑𝐷
𝑘= [𝐶]𝑐 [D]d
[𝐵]𝑏 [𝐴]𝑎
−Δ𝐺= −Δ𝐺0− 𝑅𝑇𝑙𝑛𝐾
Δ𝐺= Δ𝐺0+ 𝑅𝑇𝑙𝑛𝐾
𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑐𝑒 Δ𝐺=−𝑛𝐹𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 𝑎𝑛𝑑 Δ𝐺0= −𝑛𝐹𝐸 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 0
𝑛𝐹𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙=𝑛𝐹𝐸 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 0− 𝑅𝑇𝑙𝑛𝐾
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙= 𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 0− 𝑅𝑇 𝑙𝑛𝐾
𝑛𝐹
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙= 𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 0− 2.303𝑅𝑇 𝑙𝑜𝑔𝐾
𝑛𝐹
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙= 𝐸 0− 2.303𝑅𝑇 𝑙𝑜𝑔[𝐶]𝑐[𝐷]𝑑
𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙
𝑛𝐹 [𝐴]𝑎 [𝐵]𝑏
R- Gas Constant = 8.314J/sec,
T- Absolute temperature – 298K,
F – Faraday – 96500c,
2.303𝑅𝑇𝐹=0.0591
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙= 𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 0− 0.0591 𝑙𝑜𝑔[𝐶]𝑐[𝐷]𝑑
𝑛 [𝐴]𝑎 [𝐵]𝑏

𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙= 𝐸 𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 0− 2.303𝑅𝑇 𝑙𝑜𝑔 [𝑃𝑟𝑜𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑠] 𝑎𝑡 25 ℃

𝑛𝐹 [𝑅𝑒𝑎𝑐𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡𝑠]
n- No.of electrons involved in the reaction
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6. Explain the construction and working of Hydrogen

electrode Hydrogen Electrode:
 Hydrogen electrode is the primary standard electrode.
 It consists of a small Platinum strip coated with Platinum black as
to adsorb H2 gas.
 Platinum is welded to the Pt strip and sealed in a glass tube as to
make contact with the outer circuit.
 The Platinum strip and glass tube is surrounded by an outer glass
tube which has an inlet for H2 gas at top and a no. of holes at the
base for the escape of excess of H2 gas.
 The Platinum strip placed in an acid solution which has H+ ions
of 1M concentration. Pure hydrogen gas passed through the inlet
at 1 atmospheric pressure.
 A part of gas is adsorbed and the rest escapes through holes. This
gives equilibrium between the adsorbed H2 and H+ ions in the solution.
 The temperature of the cell is maintained at 25 0C. By international agreement the H2 electrode is
assigned a potential of 0.0 volts.
 The electrode represented as Pt, H2 (g) / H+(aq).
 Hydrogen electrode can acts as anode or cathode w.r.to the other electrode to which it is
connected.
 Anode: Oxidation: H2 (g) → 2H+ + 2e- (Eele = 0.0V)
 Cathode: Reduction: 2H+ + 2e- → H2 (g) (Eele = 0.0V)

 𝐸𝐻+/𝐻2 = 𝐸0𝐻+/𝐻2 − 0.0591 𝑙𝑜𝑔 [𝑃𝐻2]

2 [𝐻+]2
+
𝐸𝐻+/𝐻2 = 0.0591log [𝐻 ]
𝐸𝐻+/𝐻2 = −0.0591pH
 Thus, potential of hydrogen electrode depends on pH of the solution. It is used to measure pH of
solutions.
 For example, if the H2 electrode is coupled with Saturated Calomel Electrode (SCE),
Pt, H2 (g) / H+ (?) // KCl (sat), Hg2Cl2 (s) / Hg - Pt

Ecell = ESCE – EH2

Ecel = 0.242 – (-0.0591pH)
Ecell = 0.242 + 0.0591pH

pH = Ecell − 0.2420.
0591
Drawbacks:
1. Its construction is difficult i.e. it is difficult to maintain the concentration of H+ ions 1M and
pressure 1 atm.
2. Cannot be used in the presence of ions of many metals.
3. It cannot be used in solutions containing Redox systems.
7. Explain the construction and working of calomel electrode?
 Since a standard hydrogen electrode is difficult to prepare and maintain, it is usually replaced by
other reference electrodes, which are known as secondary reference electrodes.
 These are convenient to handle and are prepared easily.
 This type of reversible electrodes consists of a metal in contact with one of its sparingly soluble
salts and a solution of a soluble salt having a common anion with the sparingly soluble salt.
Ex: i) Calomel Electrode (ii) Silver – Silver Chloride electrode.
(i) Calomel electrode:
 It consists of mercury at the bottom over which a paste of mercury-mercurous chloride is placed.
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 A solution of potassium chloride is then placed over the paste.

 A platinum wire sealed in a glass tube helps in making the electrical contact.
 The electrode is connected with the help of the side tube on the left through a salt bridge with the
other electrode to make a complete cell.
 The electrode is represented as Pt, Hg/ Hg2Cl2, Cl-(aq)
 The potential of the calomel electrode depends upon
the concentration of the potassium chloride solution.
 If potassium chloride solution is saturated, the
electrode is known as saturated calomel
electrode(SCE)
 If the potassium chloride solution is 1 N, the electrode
is known as normal calomel electrode (NCE)
 For 0.1 N potassium chloride solution, the electrode is
referred to as decinormal calomel electrode (DNCE).
 The electrode reaction when the electrode acts as
cathode is: 2 Hg2Cl2 + 2e- → 2Hg + 2Cl-
 The reduction potentials of the calomel electrodes on hydrogen scale at 298K are as follows:
Saturated KC1= 0.2415 V
1.0N KC1 =0.2800 V
0.1N KC1= 0.3338 V
 Calomel electrode acts as either anode or cathode w.r.to the other electrode connected to it.
 If it acts as anode, it involves oxidation: 2Hg2+→ Hg-22+ + 2e-
Hg + Cl → Hg Cl
2 2 2

2Hg + 2Cl- → Hg2Cl2 + 2e- Oxidation half reaction, which

results in fall of concentration of Cl- ions.
 If it acts as cathode, it involves reduction
Hg2Cl2 → Hg 22+ + Cl-
Hg22+ + 2e- → 2Hg

Hg2Cl2 + 2e-→2Hg + 2Cl- Reduction half reaction, which

results increase in concentration of Cl- ions.
Thus, Calomel electrode is reversible to Cl- ions.
The reduction potential of calomel electrode is given by
𝐸𝑆𝐶𝐸 = 𝐸0𝑆𝐶𝐸 – 0.0591 l𝑜𝑔[𝐻𝑔]2[𝐶𝑙−]2
2 [𝐻𝑔2𝐶𝑙2]
𝐸𝑆𝐶𝐸 = 0.280 V−0.0591 log[𝐶𝑙−]
Since [Hg] = [Hg2Cl2] = 1 and 𝐸0𝑆𝐶𝐸 = 0.280 V
 The electrode potential of any other electrode on hydrogen scale can be measured when it is
combined with calomel electrode.
 The emf of such a cell is measured.
 From the value of electrode potential of calomel electrode, the electrode potential of the other
electrode can be evaluated.
Advantages:
1. Its construction is very easy
2. Results of cell potential measurements are reproducible.
Disadvantages:
1. Since Hg2Cl2 breaks at 500C, it can’t be used above this temperature.
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1. What are storage devises? Explain the construction and working of a lead acid accumulator.
A. Storage device: These are secondary cells in which reactants are regenerated by passing direct
current from an external source
Ex: Lead acid battery, Ni-cad battery, Li-ion battery
Lead acid accumulator:
 It is a secondary cell which consists of both Discharging and recharging component can convert
chemical energy to electrical energy by acting as electro chemical cell and convert electrical
energy into chemical energy by acting as electrolytic cell.
 Anode: spongy lead
 Cathode: PbO2 coated lead.
 Electrolyte: 20% H2SO4

The cell represented as Pb, PbSO4 (s) / H2SO4 (30%) / PbO2 (s) , Pb
Construction:
It consists of lead as anode and PbO2 coated lead as a cathode immersed in a 20% H2SO4 electrolyte
either a single pair or series of pairs immersed in a electrolyte with porous partition between the pairs.
When it is fully charged it can act as an electrochemical cell and convert chemical energy into
electrical energy
Reactions at Anode:
Pb Pb 2+ + 2e-
Pb 2+ + SO42- PbSO4
Reactions at Cathode:
PbO2 + 4H+ + SO42- + 2e- PbSO4 + 2H2O
Net reaction:
Pb + PbO2 +2 H2 SO4 2 PbSO4 + 2H2O
EMF of the cell: 1.8 - 2.2V
when it is discharged completely it has to get recharged by connecting electrodes to + and -
terminals of a power source and making a cell as electrolytic cell which convert electrical energy
into chemical energy.
Reactions at '-' terminal:
PbSO4 + 2H2O + 2e- PbO2 + 4H+ + SO42-
Reactions at '+' terminal:
PbSO4 Pb + SO42- + 2e-
Net reaction:
2 PbSO4 + 2H2O Pb + PbO2 +2 H2 SO4
In discharging process the electrolyte component acid is converted into equivalent of water and in
charging process the water is converted to equivalents of acid, thus at any time the concentration or
specific gravity of acid will determine the life a battery.
Uses: They are used in automobiles like cars, buses etc
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2. Explain working of Nickel cadmium (Ni-cad) battery?(Alkaline cell)

 It is a secondary cell which consists of both Discharging and recharging component can convert
chemical energy to electrical energy by acting as electro chemical cell and convert electrical
energy into chemical energy by acting as electrolytic cell.
 Anode: Spongy Cadmium
 Cathode: Ni2O3 coated Ni
 Electrolyte: 20% KOH
Reactions at anode: Cd → Cd+2 + 2e-
Cd+2 + 2OH- → Cd(OH)2
Cd + 2OH- → Cd(OH)2 +2e-
Reactions at Cathode:
Ni2O3 + 3H2O + 2e- → 2Ni(OH)2 + 2OH-

Cd+ Ni2O3+ 3H2O →2 Ni(OH)2 + Cd(OH)2

Ecell = 1.4V
Advantages:
1. It is very compact, light weighed with good cycle and shelf life.
2. It has very low internal resistance.
3. Used at a wide temperature range and less maintenance.
Uses: Photography, phones, computers, emergency lights and pace makers.
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3. What is meant by a fuel cell?Explain working of H2 - O2 Fuel Cell

A cell which converts chemical energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy is called fuel cell
Fuel + Oxygen Oxidation products + Electrical energy
Advantages of fuel cells:
1. The energy conversion is highly efficient by fuels
2. Noise and thermal pollution are low
3. harmless by products and eco friendly
Disadvantages:
The initial cost is high
H2 - O2 Fuel Cell
 Anode: H2 the Fuel
 Cathode: O2 The oxidant
 Electrolyte: 25%KOH
 Electrodes are made of graphite impregnated with finely divided Pt, Pd, Ag, Or Ni
Construction:
It consists of Porous graphite Cylinders impregnated with finely divided Pt, Pd, Ag, Or Ni , in one
electrode fuel H2 is pumped at 50 atm and in the other electrode O2 is pumped.
The electrolyte is KOH
Reactions at Anode:
2H2 + 2OH- 4H2O + 4e-
Reactions at Cathode:
O2 + 2H2O + 4e- 4OH-
Net reaction:
2 H2 + O2 2H2O
EMF of the cell: 1.2V
Electrolytes used most often are aqueous KOH or H2SO4 or ion
exchange resin saturated with water.
For low temperature operations (ie. -54 to 720C) KSCN IN Liq
Ammonia is employed.
Applications of Hydrogen - oxygen fuel cell
 Used as auxiliary energy source in space vehicles, submarines and other military vehicles.
 The product water is a valuable source of fresh water by astronauts.
 Widely used as a source of power in transportation like electric mobiles etc.
 Efficiently employed for power generation which is used for domestic and industrial purpose.
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