Electrochemistry

Prepared By: Engr. Gil Stefan S. Mamaril, M.Sc.

Topic Learning Outcomes

1 2 3 4
Distinguish Calculate Differentiate Construct cell
galvanic cell standard cell anode from notation
from electrolytic potential of a cathode
cell galvanic cell
REDOX REACTION
• A chemical reaction in which electrons are
transferred from one atom to another is called an
oxidation-reduction reaction, or redox reaction.

• Oxidation – loss of electron from an atom (more

positive)
• Reduction – gaining of electron (less positive)
 GEROA and LEORA

G-E-R-OA L-E-O-RA
G GAIN L LOSE
E ELECTRON E ELECTRON
R REDUCTION O OXIDATION
OA OXIDIZING AGENT RA REDUCING AGENT

• OA – Oxidizing Agent (undergoes reduction, oxidizes the other reactant)

• RA – Reducing Agent (undergoes oxidation, reduces the other reactant)
 Oxidation and Reduction

Oxidation – oxidation Reduction – oxidation

number increases number decreases
from left to right of from left to right of
the reaction the reaction
Example 1
• Zn+2 → Zn
Oxidation # of Zn+2 = +2
Oxidation # of Zn = 0
❖from +2 to 0 (decreases)
𝑍𝑛+2 → 𝑍𝑛
+2 → 0
gains 2 electrons
Reduction is the process
Zn+2 is Oxidizing Agent

𝑍𝑛+2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

Example 2
• Al → Al+3
Oxidation # of Al = 0
Oxidation # of Al+3 = +3
❖from 0 to +3 (increases)
𝐴𝑙 → 𝐴𝑙 +3
0 → +3
loses 3 electrons
Oxidization is the process
Al is reducing agent

𝐴𝑙 → 𝐴𝑙 +3 + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)
Example 3 (Create a redox reaction)
• 𝑍𝑛+2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
• 𝐴𝑙 → 𝐴𝑙 +3 + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
• The coefficients of the electrons for the reduction and oxidation must be the
same. Multiply a number in both half-reactions that will give the same
coefficients for the electrons

• 𝑍𝑛+2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛 multiply this reaction by 3

• 𝐴𝑙 → 𝐴𝑙 +3 + 3𝑒 − multiply this reaction by 2

3𝑍𝑛+2 + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑍𝑛
2𝐴𝑙 → 2𝐴𝑙 +3 + 6𝑒 −
Example 3
• 3𝑍𝑛+2 + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑍𝑛
• 2𝐴𝑙 → 2𝐴𝑙 +3 + 6𝑒 −

Combine the two half-reactions (like adding two equations)

𝟐𝑨𝒍 + 𝟑𝒁𝒏+𝟐 + 𝟔𝒆− → 𝟑𝒁𝒏 + 𝟐𝑨𝒍+𝟑 + 𝟔𝒆−

Or

𝟐𝑨𝒍 + 𝟑𝒁𝒏+𝟐 → 𝟑𝒁𝒏 + 𝟐𝑨𝒍+𝟑

Example 4
• Cu+2 → Cu
Oxidation # of Cu+2 = +2
Oxidation # of Cu = 0
❖from +2 to 0 (decreases)
𝐶𝑢+2 → 𝐶𝑢
+2 → 0
gains 2 electrons
Reduction is the process
Cu+2 is oxidizing agent

𝐶𝑢 +2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)
Example 5
• Li → Li+1
Oxidation # of Li = 0
Oxidation # of Li+1 = +1
❖from 0 to +1 (increases)
𝐿𝑖 → 𝐿𝑖 +1
0 → +1
loses 1 electron
Oxidization is the process
Li is reducing agent

𝐿𝑖 → 𝐿𝑖 +1 + 𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)
Example 6 (Create a redox reaction)
• 𝐶𝑢 +2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛
• 𝐿𝑖 → 𝐿𝑖 +1 + 𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
• The coefficients of the electrons for the reduction and oxidation must be the
same. Multiply a number in both half-reactions that will give the same
coefficients for the electrons.

• 𝐶𝑢 +2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 multiply this reaction by 1

• 𝐿𝑖 → 𝐿𝑖 +1 + 𝑒 − multiply this reaction by 2

𝐶𝑢 +2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢
2𝐿𝑖 → 2𝐿𝑖 +1 + 2𝑒 −
Example 6
• 𝐶𝑢 +2 + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢
• 2𝐿𝑖 → 2𝐿𝑖 +1 + 2𝑒 −

Combine the two reactions (Combine the two reactions like two equations)

𝟐𝑳𝒊 + 𝑪𝒖+𝟐 + 𝟐𝒆− → 𝑪𝒖 + 𝟐𝑳𝒊+𝟏 + 𝟐𝒆−

Or

𝟐𝑳𝒊 + 𝑪𝒖+𝟐 → 𝑪𝒖 + 𝟐𝑳𝒊+𝟏

Electrochemistry:
Electrochemical
Cells
Electrochemistry
• It is the study of the relationship between chemical
change and electrical work. It is typically investigated
through the use of electrochemical cells, system that
incorporate a redox reaction to produce or utilize
electrical energy.

2 Types of Electrochemical Cells

1. Galvanic Cell or Voltaic Cell
2. Electrolytic Cell
Diagram of Electrochemical Cell (Galvanic Cell)

https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/
Diagram of Electrochemical Cell (Galvanic Cell)

Half-cell (oxidation) Half-cell (reduction)

https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/
Electrochemical Cell
• Electrode – through which
electric current enters and
exits the cell.
• Electrolyte (M+) – solution
that contains ions.
• Salt bridge – helps
maintain the electrical
neutrality within the
internal circuit

https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/
Galvanic Cell –uses spontaneous reaction to generate
electrical energy
• Galvanic Cell – “spontaneous”
- Flow of electron is from anode (-)
to cathode (+)
- Ex: battery
❖Voltage = positive value
▪ Cathode – positive electrode
- where reduction occurs
▪ Anode – negative electrode
- where oxidation occurs https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/
Galvanic Cell –uses spontaneous reaction to generate
electrical energy

• Cu+2 – electrolyte at the

oxidation

• Ag+ - electrolyte at the reduction

https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/
Electrolytic Cell – uses electrical energy to drive non-
spontaneous reaction.

• Electrolytic Cell – “non-spontaneous”

- Flow of electron is from anode (+) to
cathode (-)
- Ex: electroplating
▪ Cathode – negative electrode
- where reduction occurs
▪ Anode – positive electrode
- where oxidation occurs
https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-7-electrolysis/
CELL NOTATION / DIAGRAM
M | M+ (Conc) || N+ (Conc) | N (CELL NOTATION/ DIAGRAM)
Salt Bridge
Anode Cathode

M | M+ (Conc) || N+ (Conc) | N

Electrolyte Electrolyte
Oxidation Reduction

Conc – concentration of the electrolyte

|| (2 vertical lines) –separates oxidation from reduction
| (1 vertical line) – separates electrode from electrolyte
| (1 vertical line) – division of liquid to solid, liquid to gas, gas to solid
Comma (,) – separates half-cell components that are in the same phase
Cell notation/diagram of an electrochemical cell

What is the cell notation /

diagram of the electrochemical
cell?

M | M+ (1M) || N+ (1M) | N

Cu | Cu+2 (1M) || Ag+ (1M) | Ag

https://opentextbc.ca/chemistry/chapter/17-2-galvanic-cells/
Cell Potential
Cell Potential (Ecell)
Cell potential – the difference in the electrical potential of the electrodes.
- It is the voltage of the cell or the electromotive force (emf)

• For galvanic cell, the electrons flow spontaneously from the negative to the
positive electrode, that is toward the electrode with the more positive
electrical potential. Thus, when the cell operates spontaneously, the difference
in the electrical potential of the electrode is positive; that is, there is a positive
cell potential
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 > 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠
Cell Potential (Ecell)
𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 > 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠

• The more positive Ecell is, the more work the cell can do, and the farther the
reaction proceeds to the right as written.

𝐸𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 < 0 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎 𝑛𝑜𝑛 − 𝑠𝑝𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑜𝑢𝑠 𝑝𝑟𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑠𝑠

• A negative cell potential is associated with a non-spontaneous cell reaction.

Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)
Standard Cell Potential (E°cell) – the potential measured at a specified temperature
(usually 298.15 K), and all components in their standard states: 1 atm for gases, 1.0 M
(1.0 molar) for solutions, the pure solid for electrodes.

Standard Half-cell Potential – is the potential associated with a given half-reaction

(electrode compartment) when all the components are in their standard states.

• Standard half-cell potential is usually written in reduction form.

Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)
• The formula for E°cell is shown below:

𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸°𝑐𝑎𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑑𝑒(𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) + 𝐸°𝑎𝑛𝑜𝑑𝑒 𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

where:
E°cathode(reduction) – standard half-cell potential for the cathode half-cell
E°anode(oxidation) – standard half-cell potential for the anode half-cell

E°cell > 0 (galvanic or voltaic cell)

Note: the standard half-cell potential for anode in galvanic cell is negative
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)
Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE) – consists of a specially prepared platinum
electrode immersed in a 1M aqueous solution of a strong acid, H+(aq), through
which H2 gas at 1 atm is bubbled.

- commonly used as reference electrode

• The reference half-cell reaction is

2𝐻 + (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐻2(𝑔) 𝐸°𝑟𝑒𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑒 = 0.00 𝑉
Standard Half-Cell Potential

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Standard Half-Cell Potential

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Standard Half-Cell Potential

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E1
A galvanic cell is constructed using two half-cells: Zn electrode and ZnSO4
(Zn|Zn+2), and Cu electrode and CuSO4 (Cu|Cu+2). Determine the ff:

a) E°cell
b) Electrochemical / Redox Reaction
c) How many electrons are being transferred?
d) Cathode
e) Anode
f) Reducing Agent
g) Oxidizing Agent
h) Cell Notation / Diagram
Ex: E1
Solution: Determine the standard half-cell reaction and its standard half-cell
potential for Zn|Zn+2 and Cu|Cu+2 from the table of standard half-cell reaction.

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E1

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E1
1 𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝐸° = +0.339 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

2 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.762 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

To create an electrochemical / redox reaction, we need to invert one half-cell

reaction there to have an oxidation reaction. As you can see, both half-cell
reactions are in reduction form, you can not have two reduction reactions to
have a redox reaction. One must be reduction, and the other one is oxidation.
Ex: E1
1 𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝐸° = +0.339 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

2 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.762 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

The sign of the E° of the half-cell reaction will be changed If we will invert the
reaction. Which one needs to be inverted? (1) or (2)? Remember, to have a
galvanic cell, the E°cell should be positive, therefore if we are going to add the two
E°, the sum should be a positive value. If we are going to invert (1), the E° is -0.339
V, and if we add this to -0.762 V, the E°cell is -1.101 V, hence the cell is not a
galvanic cell. What if we invert (2)? What do you think will happen?
Ex: E1
1 𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝐸° = +0.339 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

2 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.762 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − 𝐸° = +0.762 𝑉 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝐸° = +0.339 𝑉 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸°(𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) + 𝐸°(𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 0.339 + 0.762
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝑽 (𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔; 𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍)
Ex: E1
𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − 𝐸° = +0.762 𝑉 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝐸° = +0.339 𝑉 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Just like in redox reaction, the coefficient of electrons for both half-cell reactions
must be the same. Multiply a number in a reaction that will give the same
coefficients for the electrons.
𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 1 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 1 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

NOTE: The value of E°, either for reduction or oxidation, can not be changed even if you multiply the half-cell reaction with a
number. Only the sign of the E° can be changed, not the value itself.
Ex: E1
𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Combine the two reactions (Combine the two reactions like two equations) to
determine the balanced electrochemical equation/reaction.

𝒁𝒏(𝒔) + 𝑪𝒖+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟐𝒆− → 𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝒁𝒏+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟐𝒆−

The number of electrons being transferred = 2e-

Ex: E1
𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − 𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Anode = Zn(s) (anode is a solid material; oxidation)

Reducing Agent = Zn(s) (remember L-E-O-RA, the reactant in the oxidation reaction is
the reducing agent)

𝐶𝑢+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Cathode = Cu(s) (cathode is a solid material; reduction)

Oxidizing Agent = Cu+2(aq) (remember G-E-R-OA, the reactant in the reduction reaction
is the oxidizing agent)

Note: Coefficients are not included in determining the anode, cathode, RA, and OA.
Ex: E1
𝑍𝑛(𝑠) → 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − 𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 Anode = Zn(s)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 Cathode = Cu(s)

Cell Notation / Diagram

M | M+ (Conc) || N+ (Conc) | N
Anode | Electrolyte at the oxidation (1M) || Electrolyte at the reduction (1M) | Cathode

Zn(s) | Zn+2(aq) (1M) || Cu+2(aq) (1M) | Cu(s)

Ex: E1
Summary of answers for E1

• E°cell
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟏𝟎𝟏 𝑽

• Electrochemical / Redox Reaction

𝒁𝒏(𝒔) + 𝑪𝒖+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟐𝒆− → 𝑪𝒖(𝒔) + 𝒁𝒏+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟐𝒆−

• How many electrons are being transferred?

𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 = 𝟐𝒆−
Ex: E1
Summary of answers for E1

• Cathode = Cu(s)

• Anode = Zn(s)

• Reducing Agent = Zn(s)

• Oxidizing Agent = Cu+2(aq)

• Cell Notation / Diagram

Zn(s) | Zn+2(aq) (1M) || Cu+2(aq) (1M) | Cu(s)

Ex: E2
A galvanic cell is constructed using two half-cells: Zn electrode and ZnSO4
(Zn|Zn+2), and Al electrode and Al2(SO4)3 (Al|Al+3). Determine the ff:

a) E°cell
b) Electrochemical / Redox Reaction
c) How many electrons are being transferred?
d) Cathode
e) Anode
f) Reducing Agent
g) Oxidizing Agent
h) Cell Notation / Diagram
Ex: E2
Solution: Determine the standard half-cell reaction and its standard half-cell potential for
Zn|Zn+2 and Al|Al+3 from the table of standard half-cell reaction.

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E2
1 𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.762 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

2 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 𝐴𝑙(𝑠) 𝐸° = −1.68 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

Invert (2)
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝐸° = +1.68 𝑉 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.762 𝑉 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸°(𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) + 𝐸°(𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = −0.762 + 1.68
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟏𝟖 𝑽 (𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔; 𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍)
Ex: E2
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

*Remember, the coefficients of the electrons must be the same.

𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 2 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 3 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

NOTE: The value of E°,
either for reduction or
oxidation, can not be
changed even if you
2𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 2𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − multiply the half-cell
reaction with a number.
Only the sign of the E°
3𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑍𝑛(𝑠) can be changed, not the
value itself.
Ex: E2
2𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 2𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

3𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Combine the two reactions (Combine the two reactions like two equations) to
determine the balanced electrochemical equation/reaction.

𝟐𝑨𝒍(𝒔) + 𝟑𝒁𝒏+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆− → 𝟑𝒁𝒏(𝒔) + 𝟐𝑨𝒍+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆−

The number of electrons being transferred = 6e-

Ex: E2
2𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 2𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − 𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Anode = Al(s) (anode is a solid material; oxidation)

Reducing Agent = Al(s) (remember L-E-O-RA, the reactant in the oxidation reaction is
the reducing agent)

3𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Cathode = Zn(s) (cathode is a solid material; reduction)

Oxidizing Agent = Zn+2(aq) (remember G-E-R-OA, the reactant in the reduction reaction
is the oxidizing agent)

Note: Coefficients are not included in determining the anode, cathode, RA, and OA.
Ex: E2
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) Anode = Al(s)

𝑍𝑛+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑍𝑛(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 Cathode = Zn(s)

Cell Notation / Diagram

M | M+ (Conc) || N+ (Conc) | N
Anode | Electrolyte at the oxidation (1M) || Electrolyte at the reduction (1M) | Cathode

Al(s) | Al+3(aq) (1M) || Zn+2(aq) (1M) | Zn(s)

Ex: E2
Summary of answers for E2

• E°cell
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟎. 𝟗𝟏𝟖 𝑽

• Electrochemical / Redox Reaction

𝟐𝑨𝒍(𝒔) + 𝟑𝒁𝒏+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆− → 𝟑𝒁𝒏(𝒔) + 𝟐𝑨𝒍+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆−

• How many electrons are being transferred?

𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 = 𝟔𝒆−
Ex: E2
Summary of answers for E2

• Cathode = Zn(s)

• Anode = Al(s)

• Reducing Agent = Al(s)

• Oxidizing Agent = Zn+2(aq)

• Cell Notation / Diagram

Al(s) | Al+3(aq) (1M) || Zn+2(aq) (1M) | Zn(s)

Ex: E3
A galvanic cell is constructed using two half-cells: Al|Al+3 and Pt|Cu+2,Cu+. The Pt
is the electrode for Cu+2,Cu+ since both are in liquid phase. Determine the ff:

a) E°cell
b) Electrochemical / Redox Reaction
c) How many electrons are being transferred?
d) Cathode
e) Anode
f) Reducing Agent
g) Oxidizing Agent
h) Cell Notation / Diagram
Ex: E3
Solution: Determine the standard half-cell reaction and its standard half-cell
potential for Al|Al+3 and Pt|Cu+2,Cu+ from the table of standard half-cell reaction.

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E3
Find the Cu+2,Cu+ in the table. Pt will never appear in standard half-cell reaction, since
Pt will only act as an electrode, and it will not participate in the reaction.

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E3
1 𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) 𝐸° = +0.161 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

2 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 𝐴𝑙(𝑠) 𝐸° = −1.68 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

Invert (2)
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝐸° = +1.68 𝑉 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) 𝐸° = +0.161 𝑉 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸°(𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) + 𝐸°(𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 0.161 + 1.68
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟒𝟏 𝑽 (𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔; 𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍)
Ex: E3
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

*Remember, the coefficients of the electrons must be the same.

𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 1 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 3 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

NOTE: The value of E°,
either for reduction or
oxidation, can not be
changed even if you
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − multiply the half-cell
reaction with a number.
Only the sign of the E°
3𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 3𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) can be changed, not the
value itself.
Ex: E3
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

3𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 3𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Combine the two reactions (Combine the two reactions like two equations) to
determine the balanced electrochemical equation/reaction.

𝑨𝒍(𝒔) + 𝟑𝑪𝒖+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟑𝒆− → 𝟑𝑪𝒖+ (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑨𝒍+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟑𝒆−

The number of electrons being transferred = 3e-

Ex: E3
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Anode = Al(s) (anode is a solid material; oxidation)

Reducing Agent = Al(s) (remember L-E-O-RA, the reactant in the oxidation reaction is the
reducing agent)

3𝐶𝑢+2 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 3𝐶𝑢+ (𝑎𝑞) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 (No solid in the reaction, Pt is used as the
electrode)
Cathode = Pt(s) (cathode is a solid material; reduction)
Oxidizing Agent = Cu+2(aq) (remember G-E-R-OA, the reactant in the reduction reaction is the
oxidizing agent)
Note: Coefficients are not included in determining the anode, cathode, RA, and OA.
Ex: E3
𝐴𝑙(𝑠) → 𝐴𝑙 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) Anode = Al(s)

3𝐶𝑢 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 3𝐶𝑢 + (𝑎𝑞) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 Cathode = Pt(s)

Cell Notation / Diagram

M | M+ (Conc) || N+2 (Conc), N+ (Conc) |N

Anode | Electrolyte at the oxidation (1M) || Electrolytes at the reduction (1M) | Cathode

Al(s) | Al+3(aq) (1M) || Cu+2(aq) (1M), Cu+(aq) (1M) | Pt(s)

Ex: E3
Summary of answers for E3

• E°cell
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟖𝟒𝟏 𝑽

Electrochemical / Redox Reaction

𝑨𝒍(𝒔) + 𝟑𝑪𝒖+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟑𝒆− → 𝟑𝑪𝒖+ (𝒂𝒒) + 𝑨𝒍+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟑𝒆−

• How many electrons are being transferred?

𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 = 𝟑𝒆−
Ex: E3
Summary of answers for E3

• Cathode = Pt(s)

• Anode = Al(s)

• Reducing Agent = Al(s)

• Oxidizing Agent = Cu+2(aq)

• Cell Notation / Diagram

Al(s) | Al+3(aq) (1M) || Cu+2(aq) (1M), Cu+(aq) (1M) | Pt(s)

Ex: E4
A cell has a cell notation / diagram of:
Cr(s) | Cr+3(aq) (1M) || Ni+2(aq) (1M) | Ni(s)
Determine the ff:

a) E°cell
b) Is the cell galvanic?
c) Electrochemical / Redox Reaction
d) How many electrons are being transferred?
e) Cathode
f) Anode
g) Reducing Agent
h) Oxidizing Agent
Ex: E4
A cell has a cell notation / diagram of:
Cr(s) | Cr+3(aq) (1M) || Ni+2(aq) (1M) | Ni(s)
Anode Cathode
Oxidation Reduction

Solution: We need to classify which is the oxidation and which one is the
reduction based on the cell notation/diagram.

Remember, the left side of cell notation is the oxidation, while the right side is
the reduction.

Oxidation: Cr(s)|Cr+3(aq) Reduction: Ni(s)|Ni+2(aq)

Anode: Cr(s) Cathode: Ni(s)
Ex: E4

Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry: Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage Learning
Ex: E4
1 𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑁𝑖(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.236 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

2 𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − → 𝐶𝑟(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.744 𝑉 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟𝑚)

Invert (2) since Cr(s)|Cr+3(aq) = oxidation

𝐶𝑟(𝑠) → 𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝐸° = +0.744 𝑉 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑁𝑖(𝑠) 𝐸° = −0.236 𝑉 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = 𝐸°(𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛) + 𝐸°(𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)
𝐸°𝑐𝑒𝑙𝑙 = −0.236 + 0.744
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟖 𝑽 (𝒔𝒑𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒆𝒐𝒖𝒔; 𝒈𝒂𝒍𝒗𝒂𝒏𝒊𝒄 𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍)
Ex: E4
𝐶𝑟(𝑠) → 𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑁𝑖(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

*Remember, the coefficients of the electrons must be the same.

𝐶𝑟(𝑠) → 𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 3𝑒 − 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 2 (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 2𝑒 − → 𝑁𝑖(𝑠) 𝑚𝑢𝑙𝑡𝑖𝑝𝑙𝑦 𝑏𝑦 3 (𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

NOTE: The value of E°,
either for reduction or
oxidation, can not be
changed even if you
2𝐶𝑟(𝑠) → 2𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − multiply the half-cell
reaction with a number.
Only the sign of the E°
3𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑁𝑖(𝑠) can be changed, not the
value itself.
Ex: E4
2𝐶𝑟(𝑠) → 2𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

3𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑁𝑖(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Combine the two reactions (Combine the two reactions like two equations) to
determine the balanced electrochemical equation/reaction.

𝟐𝑪𝒓(𝒔) + 𝟑𝑵𝒊+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆− → 𝟐𝑪𝒓+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟑𝑵𝒊(𝒔) + 𝟔𝒆−

The number of electrons being transferred = 6e-

Ex: E4
2𝐶𝑟(𝑠) → 2𝐶𝑟 +3 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − (𝑜𝑥𝑖𝑑𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛)

Reducing Agent = Cr(s) (remember L-E-O-RA, the reactant in the oxidation

reaction is the reducing agent)

3𝑁𝑖 +2 (𝑎𝑞) + 6𝑒 − → 3𝑁𝑖(𝑠) 𝑟𝑒𝑑𝑢𝑐𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛

Oxidizing Agent = Ni+2(aq) (remember G-E-R-OA, the reactant in the reduction

reaction is the oxidizing agent)

Note: Coefficients are not included in determining the anode, cathode, RA, and
OA.
Ex: E4
Summary of answers for E4

• E°cell
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟎. 𝟓𝟎𝟖 𝑽

• Is the cell galvanic? E°cell is positive therefore the cell is a galvanic cell

• Electrochemical / Redox Reaction

𝟐𝑪𝒓(𝒔) + 𝟑𝑵𝒊+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆− → 𝟐𝑪𝒓+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟑𝑵𝒊(𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆−

• How many electrons are being transferred?

𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 = 𝟔𝒆−
Ex: E4
Summary of answers for E4

• Cathode = Ni(s)

• Anode = Cr(s)

• Reducing Agent = Cr(s)

• Oxidizing Agent = Ni+2(aq)

Try this!
Two half-cells are used to have a galvanic cell: Ni|Ni+2, and Au|Au+3. Determine
the ff:

a) E°cell
b) Electrochemical / Redox Reaction
c) How many electrons are being transferred?
d) Cathode
e) Anode
f) Reducing Agent
g) Oxidizing Agent
h) Cell Notation / Diagram
Answer…
Summary of answers

• E°cell
𝑬°𝒄𝒆𝒍𝒍 = 𝟏. 𝟕𝟑𝟒 𝑽

• Electrochemical / Redox Reaction

𝟑𝑵𝒊(𝒔) + 𝟐𝑨𝒖+𝟑 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆− → 𝟐𝑨𝒖(𝒔) + 𝟑𝑵𝒊+𝟐 (𝒂𝒒) + 𝟔𝒆−

• How many electrons are being transferred?

𝒆𝒍𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒓𝒐𝒏𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒓𝒂𝒏𝒔𝒇𝒆𝒓𝒓𝒆𝒅 = 𝟔𝒆−
Answer…
Summary of answers

• Cathode = Au(s)

• Anode = Ni(s)

• Reducing Agent = Ni(s)

• Oxidizing Agent = Au+3(aq)

• Cell Notation / Diagram

Ni(s) | Ni+2(aq) (1M) || Au+3(aq) (1M) | Au(s)

Questions???
References
• Silberberg (2004). “Chemistry. The Molecular
Nature of Matter and Change, 4th edition”
McGraw – Hill International Edition

• Masterton and Hurley (2016). “Chemistry:

Principles and Reactions 8th edition” Cengage
Learning
Thank You!