To design an electrochemical cell that produces an optimal energy output
Types of electrochemical cells
Possible IV(s)
Hydrogen fuel cells
Galvanic cells (aka voltaic cells)
Metal ion solution
Temperature
Type of metal
Electrolyte solution
SA of blocks of metal
Amount of liquid surrounding the anode/cathode
Possible controlled variables
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relies on the spontaneous redox reactions (oxidation and reduction reactions) to produce electrical energy.
How is the output of energy measured
Different types of metal has varying reactivity/ electrical potential. Metals with high electrical potential makes up a high energy density/more efficient battery
The produced electrical energy by electrochemical cells are often measured in watts and/or kilowatts
Materials used to measure electrical energy
Ammeter
Voltmeter
Electric currents are measured in amperes (A)
measures the electric potential difference
Measures voltage (pressure)
count of the number of electrons flowing through a circuit
A higher voltage means that there is more energy that can be used from the same amount of current.
The pressure/potential electric difference is measured by units of volts (V) and/or amperes (A)
Generic components of a electrochemical cell
2 Electrodes
Anode
Cathode
2 Electrolyte solutions
Salt bridge
used to prevent the build up of charge while conducting reaction
Where oxidation occurs, electrons are loss during the process
Where reduction occurs, electrons are gained throughout the process
different chemical makeup of the metal ion solution
Examples of high electrical potential metals are nickel, lithium aluminium and zinc
should select an electrolyte that includes an element used in one or both of the half-cells
For example, if one of the half-cell reactions is with copper, a good choice of an electrolyte is CuCO3 or CuCl2.
Disadvantages
Applications
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Disadvantages
Applications
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