To design an electrochemical cell that produces an optimal energy output.
What is energy output?
What is an Electrochemical Cell?
What does it mean to be 'optimal'?
What are different factors impacting energy output?
How to measure energy output?
Amount of energy produced. In terms fo an electrochemical cell, this refers to electrical energy specifically.
Ampere (A) is a measure of electricity. It is calculated through the current, or the rate at which electrons flow past a point in a complete electrical circuit.
Volts (V) are a measure of electricty. Voltage itself is the pressure from an electrical circuit's power source that pushes the current through a conducting loop. This enabling them to carry out their purpose, such as lighting up a bulb.
Applications for an Electrochemical Cell
Among a group of results, which has the highest success rate for desired results and has the most advantanges and applications.
How to measure optimality?
Measure the time it takes to achieve the desirable results, fastest would be most optimal
Comparisons with different anodes and cathodes in a glavanci cell, in order to see which produced the highest voltage or ampere.
Optimal rate of reaction
Can measure either optimal amperes or volts.
'best possible' 'most favourable'
Metal used as the Electrodes
Size of electrode
Metal Ion Solution
Zinc
Metal oxides: cobalt oxide, lithium nickel manganese cobalt oxide, copper oxide
Lithium
Amount of salt bridge solution
Diameter of the core wire
Length of metal strip
Copper
Magnesium
Aluminium
Simply just an ionic solution of the chosen metal
Metal Sulphate Solution
An electrochemical cell is a device capable of either generating electrical energy from chemical reactions or using electrical energy to cause chemical reactions.
Galvanic/ Voltaic cell is a type of electrochemical cell. It consists of redox reactions that take place in these cells are spontaneous in nature.
Electrolytic cells are a type of electrochemical cells. They are non-spontaneous in nature, and require an input of energy in order to facilitate the redox reactions required in the cell.
Requires electrodes and an electrolyte solution
Using a voltmeter
Torches
Digital Watches
Military Applications
Corrosion Protection
Disposable AA batteries
Mass
Set up
The cell that produces the greatest potential difference in voltage is the one with the optimal energy output.
Lighting up a Bulb
How to measure Cell potential
Ecell=Ecathode-Eanode
Subtract the reduction potential of the reducer by the oxidation potential of the oxidiser
Different electronegativites, essential for large cell potential
Fuel Cell: Requires a fuel source (gas that is converted into the redox reaction. Unlike traditional electrolytic and galvanic cell, fuel cells are continuous as long as there is a source of fuel.
Different anodes or cathodes
Surface area of electrode, larger surface area increases rate of reaction, thus the amount of voltage produced in given time
6-way glavanic cell, using filter paper
Two seperate beakers for two seperate half cells
A galvanic cell is small and easily trasnportable, making it useful in various applications requiring a discreet and small battery
Width of Electrode
Measuring the mass of the anode, to see how much it has oxidised (lost electrons). This dictates the amount of corrosion in the given time limit, and thus the life expectancy of such a cell
Changing concentrations
A larger difference in reduction and oxidation potential is optimal for a high final voltage.