SHS

General Chemistry 2
Quarter 4: Week 8 - Module 8
Electrochemical Principles
STEM – General Chemistry 2
Grade 11/12: Quarter 4: Week 8 - Module 8: Electrochemical Principles

First Edition, 2021

Copyright © 2021
La Union Schools Division
Region I

All rights reserved. No part of this module may be reproduced in any form
without written permission from the copyright owners.

Development Team of the Module

Author: Arlene D. Oribello, TIII

Editor: SDO La Union, Learning Resource Quality Assurance Team

Illustrator: Ernesto F. Ramos Jr., P II

Management Team:

Atty. Donato D. Balderas, Jr.

Schools Division Superintendent

Vivian Luz S. Pagatpatan, PhD

Assistant Schools Division Superintendent

German E. Flora, Ph.D, CID Chief

Virgilio C. Boado, Ph.D, EPS in Charge of LRMS

Rominel S. Sobremonte, EdD, EPS in Charge of Science

Michael Jason D. Morales, PDO II

Claire P. Toluyen, Librarian II
 General
Chemistry 2
Quarter 4 – Week 8 - Module 8
Electrochemical Principles
 TARGET

Corrosion refers to the gradual decomposition or destruction of a

material by chemical action, often due to an electrochemical reaction. There are
many examples of metal corrosion such as the tarnish in silver, green patina in
copper and brass and the most common which is the rust in iron. Corrosion
may be caused by (1) stray current electrolysis, (2) galvanic corrosion caused
by dissimilar metals, or (3) differential-concentration cells which will be discuss
as you go through with this module.

In your previous lesson, you’ve learned about the electrochemistry

involved in some common batteries.

After going through this learning material, you are expected to:

1. apply electrochemical principles to explain corrosion

(STEM_GC11AB-IVf-g-181)

2. explain the electrode reactions during electrolysis

(STEM_GC11AB-IVf-g-182)

3. describe the reactions in some commercial electrolytic processes

(STEM_GC11AB-IVf-g-183)
 JUMPSTART

For you to understand the lesson well, study the pictures below
and answer the questions that follow. Let’s start…

Source: https://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/BSDW/OperatorCertification/TrainingModules/dw-
20_corrosion_control_and_sequestering_wb.pdf

Describe the pictures above. What is common on the

pictures?____________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________.
 DISCOVER

Corrosion is a general term used to refer to deterioration of metals

through an electrochemical process. There are many examples of metal
corrosion such as the tarnish in silver, green patina in copper and brass and
the most common which is the rust in iron.

Silverwares tend to form a layer of silver sulfide, Ag2S when it comes into
contact with foodstuffs over time. This is referred to as the tarnish in silver.
Silver tends to be oxidized to Ag+. It’s negative oxidation potential suggests that
the process takes place slowly.

Ag(s) → Ag+ (aq) + e– (E°oxd’n = –0.80 V)

Copper is also prone to corrosion. Upon atmospheric exposure, copper

forms a layer of green patina which is basically copper (II) carbonate, CuCO3.
This is a result of the oxidation of Cu metal into Cu2+ which also occurs in a
relatively slow pace as suggested by the negative oxidation potential:

Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e– (E°oxd’n = –0.34 V)

The patina layer that forms on the surface of the copper metal protects
the metal underneath from further corrosion. The Statue of Liberty in New
York, USA, is made from copper. Prior to its restoration in 1986, the statue
appears green because of the green patina layer. Likewise, the second tallest
statue of National Hero Jose Rizal in Calamba City, which was made from
bronze (an alloy of primarily made up of copper), is already showing evidences
of corrosion.

Source: https://www.jtcroofing.co.uk/news/why-does-copper-turn-green/
Rusting of Iron

The most familiar example of corrosion is the formation of rust in iron.

The reaction requires the presence of water and oxygen. Rusting of iron
involves a series of redox reactions that occur at different portions of the same
iron sample.

The anode reaction occurs in one region of the metal where the oxidation
of elemental iron occurs:

Fe(s) → Fe2+(aq) + 2e– (E°oxd’n = +0.44 V)

On another region of the metal, the electrons given up at the anode are
used to reduce atmospheric oxygen to water. This region serves as the cathode.

O2(g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e– → 2H2O(l) (E°red’n = +1.23 V)

This results into an overall redox reaction that is spontaneous as

evident in the positive value of the overall cell potential:

2Fe(s) + O2(g) + 4H+ (aq) → 2Fe2+(aq) + 2H2O(l)

E°cell = E°oxd’n + E°red’n

= 1.23 V + 0.44 V

= 1.67 V

The protons (H+) are supplied partially by the reaction of atmospheric

carbon dioxide with water to produce carbonic acid, H2CO3.

Another reaction takes place at the anode where Fe2+ is further oxidized
into Fe3+ by oxygen:

4Fe2+(aq) + O2(g) + (4+2x)H2O(l) → 2Fe2O3·xH2O(s) + 8H+ (aq)

The iron (III) oxide with varying amount of water associated with it is the
rust that deposits at the surface of the iron.

Since the process involves migration of ions and electrons, it is greatly

accelerated in the presence of salts. This is why rusting occurs more rapidly if
iron is exposed to saltwater such as what happens in ships.
 Source: https://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/BSDW/OperatorCertification/TrainingModules/dw-
20_corrosion_control_and_sequestering_wb.pdf

Unlike in patina layers in copper, rust do not protect the iron underneath
because the latter is porous.

Electrolytic Corrosion (Electrolysis) occurs when dissimilar metals are

in contact in the presence of an electrolyte, such as water (moisture)
containing very small amounts of acid. The dissimilar metals set up a
galvanic action which results in the deterioration of one of them. The
following is a list of the more common commercial metals, sequenced
according to what is known as the "Galvanic Table":

THE GALVANIC TABLE Active (+)

Anodic
1. Aluminum or
2. Zinc
3. Steel
4. Iron
5. Nickel
6. Stainless Steel Series 400
7. Tin
8. Lead
Passive (-)

9. Brass
Cathodic

10. Copper
or

11. Bronze
12. Stainless Steel Series 300

When any two metals in the “Galvanic Table” above are in contact, with an
electrolytic present, the one with the lower number is corroded. The galvanic
action increases as the metals are farther apart in the Galvanic Series. It is
not always true that there is greater corrosion the further down the scale one
goes. In certain cases one metal immediately following another may be very
corrosive.
 One of the most important facts that one should know about a metal or an
alloy is its reaction with other metals or alloys with which it may be in
contact. This data is given in the Galvanic Table. Here the metals are listed
in a sequence in which each metal is corroded by all that follow it. In other
words, when two different metals are in contact with each other in the
presence of moisture, there will be a flow of current from one metal (the
“anode”) to the other metal (the “cathode”), and one will be eaten away, or
disintegrated, while the other (the “cathode”) will remain intact.
An important point to remember in utilizing the Galvanic Series is that
moisture is the chief problem in this type of corrosion, and moisture depends
a great deal upon climate. In the desert, electrochemical action will be at a
minimum. On the seacoast the action will be much greater, not only because
of the ever-present moisture, but also because of the salt. Some means of
separating dissimilar metals must therefore always be found.

In any galvanic combination, the relative areas of the two materials

forming the couple have a very important bearing on the extent of the
corrosion. Under many conditions the extent of galvanic effect will be directly
proportional to the ratio of the area of the metal lower in the list. Thus, if a
piece of steel having a surface area of two square inches is coupled to a piece
of copper having a surface area of 100 square inches, the galvanic corrosion
is roughly 50 times faster than it would be if the same piece of steel were
coupled to a piece of copper having a surface area of two square inches.

For this reason, it is wise to avoid galvanic couples where the exposed
area of the metal lower in the galvanic series is much greater than that of the
metal high in this series. As a practical example, it would definitely be
dangerous to use a steel rivet to a copper plate, but reasonably safe to use a
copper rivet to a steel plate.

The impact of corrosion is not the same for all metals. Some metals do not
corrode due to their chemical properties. Other metals form a protective layer
on the outside when oxidized, preventing further corrosion from occurring. The
type of corrosion that most people are familiar with is rust (iron oxide), which
can deteriorate the metal and cause it to become flaky. With enough time, the
corrosion can wear down the metal, causing it to fall apart.
Corrosion has a lot of adverse impacts on the environment and society. If
infrastructure is not monitored or maintained, structures can collapse or
crumble. Water pipes and storage tanks can become corroded, releasing
harmful metals and bacteria into the water.
In addition to health and safety concerns, corrosion also has a large
financial cost. Metal structures that become corroded need to be repaired or
replaced overtime. If not treated initially, more resources may be required to
continually repair and maintain structures.
 EXPLORE
Let’s try the next activity …

Enrichment Activity 1: Comparing Corrosion

I. Objective: To determine which liquids cause rust formation fastest on

submerged iron nails

II. Materials:
iron nails
6 beakers/drinking glasses
1 cup of tap water
1 cup of salt water
1 cup of carbonated lemon-lime soda
1 cup of pickle juice
1 cup of orange juice
1 cup of white vinegar

III. Procedure:
1. Gather six beakers or drinking glasses

2. Add 1 cup of tap water to the first beaker/drinking glass, 1 cup

saltwater to the second, 1 cup of carbonated lemon-lime soda to the
third, 1 cup of pickle juice to the fourth, 1 cup of orange juice to the
fifth and 1 cup of white vinegar to the last container.

3. Hypothesize what liquid will cause a nail to rust first.

4. Submerge one iron nail in each container and set the beakers or
glasses in a place they will not be disturbed

5. Observe the nails daily to check for rust formation.

6. Put your observations on the table below. Put a  if those containers

rust
 DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY3 DAY 4 DAY 5 DAY 6 DAY 7

1.tap water

2.salt water

3.carbonated
lemon-lime soda

4. pickle juice

5. orange juice

6. white vinegar

IV. Conclusion:
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________.
 DEEPEN
Answer the following questions briefly. Write your answer on the
space provided after the question.

Source:
https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+corroded+ship&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=WLgfJan
Nhz9obM%252CF4bm-Lee-iO9wM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-
kR5T62GW9dkzzA3_S7utYRqO3utXg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjbqvaG2IzvAhXqyIsBHUIrAfMQ9QF6BAgLEAE
#imgrc=WLgfJanNhz9obM

1. Describe the figure above. What can you say about the picture?-
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________
2. Why does copper turn green over
time?__________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
______________________________________________________________________.
3. How long does it take copper to turn
green?_________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________.
 GAUGE

I. Choose the letter of the best answer and write your answer on a
separate sheet of paper.

1. When a metal corrodes, the metal atoms lose which of the following and
become positively charged metal ions in the electrolyte?
A. Photons B. Protons C. Neutrons D. Electrons

2. Corrosion reactions are _______________

A. chemical reaction B. electrochemical reaction
C. electrical reaction D. combustion reaction

3. Corrosion is the deterioration of a substance or its properties due to

A. Mechanical overload B. Fatigue
C. Reactions with its environment. D. Wear

4. Corrosion occurs at an anodic surface where the

A. Metal ion concentration is higher than in the bulk solution.
B. Oxygen content is lower than in the bulk solution.
C. Metal ion concentration is lower than in the bulk solution.
D. Oxygen content is high.

5. Which of the following is NOT a factor contributing to corrosion?

A. High temperature B. Overdesign
C. Bacteria D. Improper heat treatment

6. Which of the following must exist for corrosion to take place?

A. Cathode must be present. B. Electrolyte must be present.
C. Metal must be present. D. All the above

7. Which of the following is the most general reason why metals corrode?
A. They are soluble in acids or alkalis
B. Their metallic form has a higher level of energy than their ores
C. They are influenced by stray electrical current.
D. Their corrosion products can disperse as fast as they form
8. Which of the following factor is the most tends to decrease atmospheric
corrosion?
A. Decreased polarization B. Increased relative humidity
C. Increased temperature D. Increased electrolyte resistivity

9. Which of the following materials coated to protect it from atmospheric

corrosion?
A. Iron alloys B. Stainless steels C. Plastics D. Titanium

10. Zinc will often be found as a major alloying element in

A. Heat resistant alloys. B. Copper alloys.
C. Titanium alloys. D. Wrought stainless steels.

11. Which of the following is the most important factor in atmospheric

corrosion.
A. Reduction of the anode B. Oxidation of the cathode
C. Polarization of the electrolyte D. The IR drop in the electrolyte

12. Hydrogen formed as the result of cathodic protection does not_______.

A. exist in the form of single atoms.
B. combine with oxygen to form water.
C. form hydrogen gas
D. penetrate the metal in the anode area.

13. When two dissimilar metals make electrical contact in the presence of a/an
_______, the rate at which corrosion occurs depends on the difference in
their corrosive tendencies.
A. ion B. electrolyte C. neutron D. electron

14. Corrosion is the electrochemical _________ of a metal because of its

chemical reaction with the surrounding environment.
A. accumulation B. generation C. assimilation D. deterioration

15. Stainless steels have higher corrosion resistance because of __________.

A. their passive Layer B. their positive potential
C. their high amounts of chromium D. A and C
JUMPSTART: ( ANSWERS MAY VARY)
EXPLORE: ( ANSWERS MAY VARY)
The nails in water should both form rust within three weeks and the vinegar
should rust a nail approximately one week later. The soda and juices should not
cause any rust to form on the nail.
DEEPEN: ( ANSWERS MAY VARY)
Sample response:
2. Copper naturally turns green over time as it reacts with oxygen in the air – a
chemical reaction known as oxidation. The green colour is simply the natural
shade of the patina that forms over the copper surface; the patina protects the
copper from deterioration and creates a light bluish-green facade which can be
seen on many copper rooftops and copper structures.
3. Copper doesn’t turn green overnight, it transitions through a number of stages
over the years, moving from its initial orange shade into a dull brown colour,
before finally settling into the familiar green tint.
GAUGE:
1. D
2. B
3. C
4. C
5. B
6. D
7. B
8. C
9. B
10.A
11.B
12.D
13.B 1. A
14.D
15.D
Answer Key
References:

Commission on Higher Education, Teaching Guide for Senior High School in

General Chemistry 2

https://files.dep.state.pa.us/Water/BSDW/OperatorCertification/TrainingMod
ules/dw-20_corrosion_control_and_sequestering_wb.pdf

https://www.jtcroofing.co.uk/news/why-does-copper-turn-green/

https://courses.lumenlearning.com/trident-boundless-
chemistry/chapter/electrolysis/

https://www.fenestration.net/pdf_documents/About-Dissimilar-Metals.pdf

https://www.google.com/search?q=picture+of+corroded+ship&tbm=isch&sour
ce=iu&ictx=1&fir=WLgfJanNhz9obM%252CF4bm-Lee-
iO9wM%252C_&vet=1&usg=AI4_-
kR5T62GW9dkzzA3_S7utYRqO3utXg&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjbqvaG2IzvAhXqyIs
BHUIrAfMQ9QF6BAgLEAE#imgrc=WLgfJanNhz9obM

https://learning.hccs.edu/faculty/emad.akeer/metl1313/practice-questions-
for-final-exam