Electrochemistry

Chapter 19
CopyrightTheMcGraw-HillCompanies,Inc.Permissionrequiredforreproductionordisplay.

Electrochemicalprocessesareoxidation-reductionreactions
inwhich:

theenergyreleasedbyaspontaneousreactionis
convertedtoelectricityor

electricalenergyisusedtocauseanonspontaneous
reactiontooccur
0

2+ 2-

2Mg(s)+O2(g)2MgO(s)
2Mg2Mg2++4e-

Oxidationhalf-reaction(losee-)

O2+4e-2O2-

Reductionhalf-reaction(gaine-)
19.1

Oxidationnumber
Thechargetheatomwouldhaveinamolecule(oran
ioniccompound)ifelectronswerecompletelytransferred.
1. Freeelements(uncombinedstate)haveanoxidation
numberofzero.

Na,Be,K,Pb,H2,O2,P4=0
2. Inmonatomicions,theoxidationnumberisequalto
thechargeontheion.

Li+,Li=+1;Fe3+,Fe=+3;O2-,O=-2
3. Theoxidationnumberofoxygenis usually2.InH2O2
andO22-itis1.

4.4

4. Theoxidationnumberofhydrogenis+1exceptwhen
itisbondedtometalsinbinarycompounds.Inthese
cases,itsoxidationnumberis1.
5. GroupIAmetalsare+1,IIAmetalsare+2andfluorineis
always1.
6.Thesumoftheoxidationnumbersofalltheatomsin
amoleculeorionisequaltothechargeonthe
moleculeorion.

HCO3Oxidationnumbersofall
theatomsinHCO3-?

O=-2

H=+1

3x(-2)+1+?=-1
C=+4
4.4

BalancingRedoxEquations
TheoxidationofFe2+toFe3+byCr2O72-inacidsolution?
1. Writetheunbalancedequationforthereactionionionicform.
Fe2++Cr2O72-Fe3++Cr3+
2. Separatetheequationintotwohalf-reactions.
+2

Oxidation:
Reduction:

+3

Fe2+Fe3+
+6

+3

Cr2O72-Cr3+

3. BalancetheatomsotherthanOandHineachhalf-reaction.
Cr2O72-2Cr3+
19.1

BalancingRedoxEquations
4. Forreactionsinacid,addH2OtobalanceOatomsandH+to
balanceHatoms.
Cr2O72-2Cr3++7H2O
14H++Cr2O72-2Cr3++7H2O
5. Addelectronstoonesideofeachhalf-reactiontobalancethe
chargesonthehalf-reaction.
Fe2+Fe3++1e6e-+14H++Cr2O72-2Cr3++7H2O
6. Ifnecessary,equalizethenumberofelectronsinthetwohalfreactionsbymultiplyingthehalf-reactionsbyappropriate
coefficients.
6Fe2+6Fe3++6e6e-+14H++Cr2O72-2Cr3++7H2O

19.1

BalancingRedoxEquations
7. Addthetwohalf-reactionstogetherandbalancethefinal
equationbyinspection.The number of electrons on both
sides must cancel.
Oxidation:

6Fe2+6Fe3++6e-

Reduction: 6e-+14H++Cr2O72-2Cr3++7H2O
14H++Cr2O72-+6Fe2+6Fe3++2Cr3++7H2O

8. Verifythatthenumberofatomsandthechargesarebalanced.
14x12+6x2=24=6x3+2x3
9. Forreactionsinbasicsolutions,addOH-toboth sidesofthe
equationforeveryH+thatappearsinthefinalequation.
19.1

Dichromate ion in acidic solution is an

oxidizing agent. When it reacts with zinc,
the metal is oxidized to Zn2+, and nitrate is
reduced. Assume that dichromate ion is
reduced to Cr3+.
Write the balanced ionic equation for this
reaction using the half-reaction method.

First we determine the oxidation numbers of N and

Zn:
+6
+3
0
+2
Cr2O72-(aq) Cr3+(aq) and Zn(s) Zn2+(aq)
Cr was reduced from +6 to +3.
Zn was oxidized from 0 to +2.
Now we balance the half-reactions.

Oxidation half-reaction
Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2eReduction half-reaction
First we balance Cr and O:
Cr2O72-(aq) 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
Next we balance H:
14H+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq) 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
Then we balance e-:
6e- + 14H+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq) 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)

Now we combine the two half-reactions by multiplying the

oxidation half reaction by 3.
3Zn(s) 3Zn2+(aq) + 6e6e- + 14H+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq) 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
3Zn(s) + 14H+(aq) + Cr2O72-(aq)
3Zn2+(aq) + 2Cr3+(aq) + 7H2O(l)
Check that atoms and charge are balanced.
3Zn; 14H; 2Cr; 7O; charge +12

To balance a reaction in basic conditions, first

follow the same procedure as for acidic
solution.
Then
1. AddoneOH-tobothsidesforeachH+.
2. WhenH+andOH-occuronthesameside,
combinethemtoformH2O.
3. Cancelwatermoleculesthatoccuronboth
sides.

Lead(II) ion, Pb2+, yields the plumbite ion,

Pb(OH)3-, in basic solution. In turn, this ion
is oxidized in basic hypochlorite solution,
ClO-, to lead(IV) oxide, PbO2.
Balance the equation for this reaction using
the half-reaction method. The skeleton
equation is
Pb(OH)3- + ClO- PbO2 + Cltry to balance the above as practice

H+(aq) + Pb(OH)3-(aq) + ClO-(aq)

PbO2(s) + Cl-(aq) + 2H2O(l)
To convert to basic solution, we add OH- to each side,
converting H+ to H2O.
H2O(l) + Pb(OH)3-(aq) + ClO-(aq)
PbO2(s) + Cl-(aq) + 2H2O(l) + OH-(aq)
Finally, we cancel the H2O that is on both sides.
Pb(OH)3-(aq) + ClO-(aq)
PbO2(s) + Cl-(aq) + H2O(l) + OH-(aq)

The next several topics describe battery cells

or voltaic cells (galvanic cells).
An electrochemical cell is a system
consisting of electrodes that dip into an
electrolyte and in which a chemical reaction
either uses or generates an electric current.

A voltaic or galvanic cell is an

electrochemical cell in which a spontaneous
reaction generates an electric current.
An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell
in which an electric current drives an
otherwise nonspontaneous reaction.

Physically, a voltaic cell consists of two half-cells that

are electrically connected.
Each half-cell is the portion of the electrochemical cell
in which a half-reaction takes place.
The electrical connections allow the flow of electrons
from one electrode to the other.
The cells must also have an internal cell connection,
such as a salt bridge, to allow the flow of ions.

GalvanicCells
anode
oxidation

cathode
reduction

spontaneous
redoxreaction

19.2

A salt bridge is a tube of electrolyte in a gel that is

connected to the two half-cells of the voltaic cell. It
allows the flow of ions but prevents the mixing of
the different solutions that would allow direct
reactions of the cell reactants.
In the salt bridge, cations move toward the cathode
and anions move toward the anode.

The electrode at which oxidation takes place is

called the anode.
The electrode at which reduction takes place is
called the cathode.
Electrons flow through the external circuit from the
anode to the cathode.

Voltaic cell notation is a shorthand method of

describing a voltaic cell.
The oxidation half-cell, the anode, is written on the
left.
The reduction half-cell, the cathode, is written on the
right.

The cell terminal is written on the outside: left for

the anode and right for the cathode.
Phase boundaries are shown with a single vertical
bar, |.
For example, at the anode, the oxidation of Cu(s) to
Cu2+(aq) is shown as Cu(s) | Cu2+(aq).
At the cathode, the reduction of Zn2+(aq) to Zn(s) is
shown as Zn2+(aq) | Zn(s).

Between the anode and cathode the salt bridge is

represented by two vertical bars, ||.
The complete notation for the reaction is
Cu(s) | Cu2+(aq) || Zn2+(aq) | Zn(s)

When the half-reaction involves a gas, the electrode is an

inert material such as platinum, Pt. It is included as a
third substance in the half-cell.
For example, the half-reaction of Cl 2 being reduced to Clis written as follows:
Cl2(g) | Cl-(aq) | Pt
Because this is a reduction, the electrode appears on the
far right.
For the oxidation of H2(g) to H+(aq), the notation is
Pt | H2(g) | H+(aq)
In this case, the electrode appears on the far left.

To fully specify a voltaic cell, it is necessary to give the

concentrations of solutions or ions and the pressures of gases. In
the cell notation, these values are written within parentheses for
each species.
For example, the oxidation of Cu(s) to Cu2+(aq) at the anode and
the reduction of F2(g) to F-(aq) at the cathode is written as
follows:
Cu(s) | Cu2+(1.0 M) || F2(1.0 atm) | F-(1.0 M) | Pt

The cell notation for a voltaic cell is

Al(s) | Al3+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s)
Write the cell reaction.
Ourstrategyistowriteandbalanceeachhalf-reaction,
andthentocombinethehalf-reactionstogivethe
overallcellreaction.
TheskeletonoxidationreactionisAl(s)Al3+(aq).The
skeletonreductionreactionisCu2+(aq)Cu(s).

Balanced oxidation half-reaction

Al(s) Al3+(aq) + 3eBalanced reduction half-reaction
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s)
The common multiple of the electrons is 6.
Combine the half-reactions by multiplying the
oxidation half-reaction by 2 and the reduction halfreaction by 3.

2Al(s) 2Al3+(aq) + 6e3Cu2+(aq) + 6e- 3Cu(s)

2Al(s) + 3Cu2+(aq) 2Al3+(aq) + 3Cu(s)

Now we shift our focus to the movement of the

electrons in the oxidationreduction reaction.
To better understand this movement, we can
compare the flow of electrons to the flow of water.

Just as work is required to pump water from one

point to another, so work is required to move
electrons.
Water flows from areas of high pressure to areas of
low pressure. Similarly, electrons flow from high
electric potential to low electric potential. Electric
potential can be thought of as electric pressure.

Potential difference is the difference in electric potential

(electrical pressure) between two points. Potential
difference is measured in the SI unit volt (V).
Electrical work = charge x potential difference
The SI units for this are
J=CV

J
V
C

The magnitude of charge on one mole of electrons

is given by the Faraday constant, F. It equals
9.6485 103 C per mole of electrons.
1 F = 9.6485 103 C
Substituting this into the equation for work:
w = F potential difference
The term is negative because the cell is doing work
in creating the current (that is, electron flow).

GalvanicCells
Thedifferenceinelectrical
potentialbetweentheanode
andcathodeiscalled:
cell voltage
electromotive force (emf)
cell potential
CellDiagram
Zn(s)+Cu2+(aq)Cu(s)+Zn2+(aq)
[Cu2+]=1M&[Zn2+]=1M
Zn(s)|Zn2+(1M)||Cu2+(1M)|Cu(s)
anode
cathode
19.2

StandardReductionPotentials

Zn(s)|Zn2+(1M)||H+(1M)|H2(1atm)|Pt(s)
Anode(oxidation):

Zn(s)Zn2+(1M)+2e-

Cathode(reduction): 2e-+2H+(1M)H2(1atm)
Zn(s)+2H+(1M)Zn2++H2(1atm)

19.3

StandardReductionPotentials
Standard reduction potential (E0)isthevoltageassociated
withareduction reactionatanelectrodewhenallsolutes
are1Mandallgasesareat1atm.

ReductionReaction
2e-+2H+(1M)H2(1atm)
E0=0V

Standardhydrogenelectrode(SHE)

19.3

The maximum potential difference between the

electrodes of a voltaic cell is called the cell
potential or electromotive force (emf) of the cell,
or Ecell.
Ecell can be measured with a digital voltmeter. The
anode of a voltaic cell has negative polarity; the
cathode has positive polarity.

The maximum work is given by the following

equation:
Wmax = nFEcell

The emf of a particular cell is 0.500 V. The

cell reaction is
2Al(s) + 3Cu2+(aq) 2Al3+(aq) + 3Cu(s)
Calculate the maximum electrical work of
this cell obtained from 1.00 g of aluminum.

To determine the value of n (that is, the number of moles of

electrons involved in either half-cell reaction), we need to
examine the half-reactions.

2Al(s) 2Al3+(aq) + 6e3Cu2+(aq) + 6e- 3Cu(s)

n=6
F = 96,485 C/mol
Ecell = 0.500 V = 0.500 J/C
wmax = nFEcell
wmax = (6 mol)(96,485 C/mol)(0.500 J/C)
wmax = 2.89 105 J

Thisistheenergycorrespondingtothebalanced
reaction,soweneedtoconverttoonegramof
aluminum.

2.89x10 5 J
1molAl
w max

5.3610 3 J
2molAl
26.98gAl
wmax=5.36kJ

A cell potential is a measure of the driving force of

the cell reaction. It is composed of the oxidation
potential for the oxidation half-reaction at the
anode and the reduction potential, for the
reduction half-reaction at the cathode.
Ecell = oxidation potential + reduction potential
But since we are using only the Chart of Reduction
Potentials, Ecell = reduction potential of cathode
reduction potential of anode

Ecell = Eoxidation + Ereduction

Because the electrode potentials are for reduction:
Eoxidation = Eanode
We can rewrite the equation for the cell:
Ecell = - Eanode + Ecathode
Ecell = Ecathode Eanode

Lets find Ecell for the following cell:

Al(s) | Al3+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s)
At the cathode, Cu2+(aq) is reduced to Cu(aq).
E = 0.34 V
At the anode, Al is oxidized to Al3+.
E = [electrode potential for Al3+(aq)]
E = (1.66 V) = 1.66 V
Ecell = 0.34 V + 1.66 V
Ecell = 2.00 V

A fuel cell is simply a voltaic cell that uses a

continuous supply of electrode materials to
provide a continuous supply of electrical energy.
A fuel cell employed by NASA on
spacecraftuseshydrogenandoxygenunderbasic
conditionstoproduceelectricity.Thewaterproducedin
thiswaycanbeusedfordrinking.Thenetreactionis
2H2(g)+O2(g)2H2O(g)
Calculatethestandardemfoftheoxygenhydrogen
fuelcell.
2H2O(l)+2e-H2(g)+2OH-(aq) E=0.83V
O2(g)+2H2O(l)+4e-4OH-(aq) E=0.40V

Anode reaction:
2H2O(l) + 2e- H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)

Ered = 0.83 V

Cathode reaction:
O2(g) + 2H2O(l) + 4e- 4OH-(aq)

Ered = 0.40 V

Overall reaction:
Ecell = Ecathode Eanode
Ecell = 0.40 V (0.83 V)
Ecell = 1.23 V

StandardReductionPotentials
0
Ecell
=0.76V

0
Standard emf (Ecell
)

0
0
0
Ecell
=Ecathode
- Eanode

Zn(s)|Zn2+(1M)||H+(1M)|H2(1atm)|Pt(s)
0
Ecell
=EH0+/H 2- EZn0 2+/Zn
0 2+
0.76V=0 - EZn
/Zn
0 2+
EZn
/Zn=-0.76V

Zn2+(1M)+2e-ZnE0=-0.76V

19.3

StandardReductionPotentials
0
Ecell
=0.34V

0
0
0
Ecell
=Ecathode
- Eanode
0 =E 0
Ecell
Cu

2+
/Cu

EH 0/H+

0 2+ -0
0.34=ECu
/Cu
0 2+
ECu
/Cu=0.34V

Pt(s)|H2(1atm)|H+(1M)||Cu2+(1M)|Cu(s)
Anode(oxidation):

H2(1 atm)2H+(1M)+2e-

Cathode(reduction): 2e-+Cu2+(1M)Cu(s)
H2(1atm)+Cu2+(1M)Cu(s)+2H+(1M)

19.3

E0isforthereactionas
written

ThemorepositiveE0the
greaterthetendencyforthe
substancetobereduced

Thehalf-cellreactionsare
reversible

ThesignofE0 changes
whenthereactionis
reversed

Changingthestoichiometric
coefficientsofahalf-cell
reactiondoes notchange
thevalueofE0

19.3

Comparing Oxidizing Strengths

The oxidizing agent is itself reduced and is the
species on the left of the reduction half-reaction.
Consequently, the strongest oxidizing agent is the
product of the half-reaction with the largest (most
positive) E value.

Comparing Reducing Strengths

The reducing agent is itself oxidized and is the
species on the right of the reduction half-reaction.
Consequently, the strongest reducing agent is the
reactant in the half-reaction with the smallest
(most negative) E value.

Which is the stronger reducing agent under

standard conditions: Sn2+ (to Sn4+) or Fe (to
Fe2+)?
Which is the stronger oxidizing agent under
standard conditions: Cl2 or MnO4-?
Thestrongerreducingagentwillbeoxidizedandhas
themorenegativeelectrodepotential.
Thestandard(reduction)potentialsare
Sn2+toSn4+
E=0.15V
FetoFe2+
E=0.41V
ThestrongerreducingagentisFe(toFe 2+).

The stronger oxidizing agent will be reduced.

The standard (reduction) potentials are
Cl2 to ClE = 1.36 V
MnO4- to Mn2+ E = 1.49 V
The stronger oxidizing agent is MnO4-.

Predicting the Direction of Reaction

You can predict the direction of reaction by
comparing the relative oxidizing (or reducing)
strengths.
The stronger oxidizing agent will be reduced. (The
stronger reducing agent will be oxidized.)

Will dichromate ion oxidize manganese(II)

ion to permanganate ion in acid solution
under standard conditions?

Standardpotentials
Cr2O72-toCr3+
MnO4-toMn2+

E=1.33V
E=1.49V

MnO4-hasalargerreductionpotential;itwilloxidize
Cr3+toCr2O72-.
Cr2O72-willnotoxidizeMn2+toMnO4-.

Whatisthestandardemfofanelectrochemicalcellmade
ofaCdelectrodeina1.0MCd(NO3)2solutionandaCr
electrodeina1.0MCr(NO3)3solution?
Cd2+(aq)+2e-Cd(s)E0=-0.40V

Cdisthestrongeroxidizer

Cr3+(aq)+3e-Cr(s)E0=-0.74V

CdwilloxidizeCr

Anode(oxidation):

Cr(s)Cr3+(1M)+3e- x2

Cathode(reduction): 2e-+Cd2+(1M)Cd(s)

x3

2Cr(s)+3Cd2+(1M)3Cd(s)+2Cr3+(1M)
0
0
0
Ecell
=Ecathode
- Eanode
0
Ecell
=-0.40(-0.74)
0
Ecell
=0.34V

19.3

First we determine the oxidation numbers of

N and Zn:
+6
+3
0
+2
Cr2O72-(aq) Cr3+(aq) and Zn(s) Zn2+(aq)
Cr was reduced from +6 to +3.
Zn was oxidized from 0 to +2.
Now we balance the half-reactions.

SpontaneityofRedoxReactions
G=-nFEcell
G

=-nFE 0

cell

n=numberofmolesofelectronsinreaction
J
F=96,500
=96,500C/mol
Vmol

0
G0=-RT lnK =-nFEcell

(8.314J/Kmol)(298K)
RT
0 =
lnK =
lnK
Ecell
nF
n (96,500J/Vmol)
0
Ecell
=
0

Ecell

0.0257V
lnK
n

0.0592V
logK
=
n

19.4

SpontaneityofRedoxReactions

0
G0=-RT lnK =-nFEcell

19.4

Whatistheequilibriumconstantforthefollowingreaction
at250C?Fe2+(aq)+2Ag(s)Fe(s)+2Ag+(aq)
0.0257V
lnK
Ecell =
n
0

Oxidation:

2Ag2Ag++2e-

Reduction: 2e-+Fe2+Fe

n=2

E0=EFe0 2+/Fe EAg0 /Ag

+
E0=-0.44(0.80)
E0=-1.24V

0
Ecell
x n
-1.24V x 2
=exp
K=exp
0.0257V
0.0257V

K=1.23x10-42
19.4

Physically, a voltaic cell consists of two half-cells that

are electrically connected.
Each half-cell is the portion of the electrochemical cell
in which a half-reaction takes place.
The electrical connections allow the flow of electrons
from one electrode to the other.
The cells must also have an internal cell connection,
such as a salt bridge, to allow the flow of ions.

TheCu2+ionsgain
twoelectrons,
formingsolidcopper.

Thezincmetalatom
x
losestwoelectrons,
formingZn2+ions.
Theelectronsflowthroughtheexternalcircuitfrom
thezincelectrodetothecopperelectrode.

Ionsflowthroughthesaltbridgeto
maintainchargebalance.

TheEffectofConcentrationonCellEmf
G=G0+RTlnQ

G=-nFE

G0=-nFE 0

-nFE=-nFE0 +RTln Q
Nernst equation
E=E0 -

RT
lnQ
nF

At298
E=E 0 -

0.0257V
lnQ
n

E=E 0 -

0.0592V
logQ
n

19.5

Dependence of Cell Potential on Concentration:

Nernst Equation
G = G + RT ln Q
Q is the thermodynamic equilibrium constant.
This equation allows us to relate E to E.
RT
Ecell E
lnQ
nF
o
cell

Willthefollowingreactionoccurspontaneouslyat250Cif
[Fe2+]=0.60Mand[Cd2+]=0.010M?
Fe2+(aq)+Cd(s)Fe(s)+Cd2+(aq)
Oxidation:

CdCd2++2e-

Reduction: 2e-+Fe2+2Fe
E0=EFe0 2+/Fe ECd0

2+
/Cd

E0=-0.44(-0.40)
E0=-0.04V

n=2

0.0257V
lnQ
n
0.010
0.0257V
ln
E= -0.04V 2
0.60
E=E 0 -

E=0.013
E>0

Spontaneous
19.5

Commercial Voltaic Cells

We next look at several commercial voltaic cells.
ZincCarbon Dry Cell: Leclanch
Anode:
Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2eCathode: 2NH4+(aq) + 2MnO2(s) + 2e Mn2O3(s) + H2O(l) + 2NH3(aq)
The initial voltage is about 1.5 V, but decreases
and deteriorates rapidly in cold weather.

Batteries

Drycell
Leclanch cell

Anode:
Cathode:

Zn(s)Zn2+(aq)+2e2NH+4(aq)+2MnO2(s)+2e-Mn2O3(s)+2NH3(aq)+H2O(l)

Zn(s)+2NH4(aq)+2MnO2(s)Zn2+(aq)+2NH3(aq)+H2O(l)+Mn2O3(s)
19.6

Batteries

MercuryBattery

Anode:
Cathode:

Zn(Hg)+2OH-(aq)ZnO(s)+H2O(l)+2eHgO(s)+H2O(l)+2e-Hg(l)+2OH-(aq)
Zn(Hg)+HgO(s)ZnO(s)+Hg(l)
19.6

Batteries

Leadstorage
battery

Anode:
Cathode:

Pb(s)+SO42-(aq)PbSO4(s)+2ePbO2(s)+4H+(aq)+SO42-(aq)+2e-PbSO4(s)+2H2O(l)

Pb(s)+PbO2(s)+4H+(aq)+2SO2-4 (aq)2PbSO4(s)+2H2O(l)
19.6

Batteries

SolidStateLithiumBattery

19.6

Batteries

Afuel cellisan
electrochemicalcell
thatrequiresa
continuoussupplyof
reactantstokeep
functioning

Anode:
Cathode:

2H2(g)+4OH-(aq)4H2O(l)+4eO2(g)+2H2O(l)+4e-4OH-(aq)
2H2(g)+O2(g)2H2O(l)
19.6

Chemistry In Action:BacteriaPower
CH3COO-+2O2+H+2CO2+2H2O

Corrosion

19.7

CathodicProtectionofanIronStorageTank

19.7

Electrolysisistheprocessinwhichelectricalenergyisused
tocauseanonspontaneouschemicalreactiontooccur.

19.8

ElectrolysisofWater

19.8

ElectrolysisandMassChanges

charge(C)=current(A)xtime(s)
1molee-=96,500C

19.8

HowmuchCawillbeproducedinanelectrolyticcellof
moltenCaCl2ifacurrentof0.452Aispassedthroughthe
cellfor1.5hours?
Anode:
Cathode:

2Cl-(l)Cl2(g)+2eCa2+(l)+2e-Ca(s)
Ca2+(l)+2Cl-(l)Ca(s)+Cl2(g)

2molee-=1moleCa
C
s 1mole- 1molCa
molCa=0.452
x1.5hrx3600 x
x
s
hr 96,500C 2mole=0.0126molCa
=0.50gCa
19.8

What electric charge is required to plate a

piece of automobile molding with 1.00 g of
chromium metal using a chromium(III) ion
solution?
If the electrolysis current is 2.00 A, how long
does the plating take?

First, we convert mass to moles Cr; then to

moles e-; then, using current, to seconds.
1molCr
3mole - 96,485C
1s
1.00gCr

52.00gCr 1molCr 1mole

2.00C
=2.78103s=46.4min

A solution of nickel salt is electrolyzed to

nickel metal by a current of 2.43 A. If this
current flows for 10.0 min, how many
coulombs is this?
How much nickel metal is deposited in the
electrolysis?

Wefirstfindthecharge:

C
60s
2.43 10.0min

s
1min
=1458C
Giventhehalf-reaction:Ni2+(aq)+2e-Ni(s)

1mole 1molNi 58.69g

1458C

96,485C 2mole
1molNi
=0.443gNi

Chemistry In Action:DentalFillingDiscomfort

2+

Hg2/Ag2Hg30.85V
2+

Sn/Ag3Sn-0.05V
2+

Sn/Ag3Sn-0.05V