Electrochemical Methods

Students learn to:

• explain the displacement of metals from solution in terms of transfer of electrons
• identify the relationship between displacement of metal ions in solution by other metals to the relative activity of metals
• account for changes in the oxidation state of species in terms of their loss or gain of electrons
• describe and explain galvanic cells in terms of oxidation/reduction reactions
• outline the construction of galvanic cells and trace the direction of electron flow
• define the terms anode, cathode, electrode and electrolyte to describe galvanic cells

Students:

• perform a first-hand investigation to identify the conditions under which a galvanic cell is produced
• perform a first-hand investigation and gather first-hand information to measure the difference in potential of different combinations of metals in an electrolyte solution
• gather and present information on the structure and chemistry of a dry cell or lead-acid cell and evaluate it in comparison to one of the following:
  • button cell
  • fuel cell
  • vanadium redox cell
  • lithium cell liquid junction photovoltaic device (eg the Gratzel cell)

  in terms of:

  • chemistry
  • cost and practicality
  • impact on society
  • environmental impact
• solve problems and analyse information to calculate the potential requirement of named electrochemical processes using tables of standard potentials and half-equations

Extract from Chemistry Stage 6 Syllabus (Amended October 2002). © 2009, Board of Studies NSW.