Study GuideChemistry–Electrochemistry1. Electrochemical Cells1.1What Is an Electrochemical Cell?Anelectrochemical cell(also called avoltaic cell) is a device that uses achemical reaction toproduce electricity.Because reactions happen more easily in liquids than in solids or gases, most electrochemical cellsuse aliquid solution.This liquid is called anelectrolyte.1.2Electrolytes and ConductivityAnelectrolyteis a solution that containsionsand canconduct electricity.•Pure distilled waterconducts electricity very poorly.•When substances dissolve and form ions, conductivity increases.Types of Electrolytes•Strong electrolytes: Substances (like many acids, bases, and salts) that ionize almostcompletely in water.•Weak electrolytes: Substances that ionize only slightly.The more ions present, the better the solution conducts electricity.1.3Structure of a Simple Electrochemical CellA simple electrochemical cell can be made usingtwo test tubes connected by a third tube, shapedlike an “H”.•The connecting tube allowsions to move, which is necessary to complete the circuit.•Each test tube contains adifferent solution and metal electrode.Preview Mode
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