Question

Fill in the blanks. In cell representation, oxidation half-cell is represented on the ___ .

Short answer

Question: In a cell representation, the oxidation half-cell is positioned on the ______ side. Answer: left

Step-by-step solution

Understanding cell representation

A cell representation is a symbolic representation of a galvanic (voltaic) cell, which is a device that generates electrical energy through redox reactions. In a cell representation, each half-cell (electrode) is represented by its corresponding chemical species with a double vertical line (||) representing the salt bridge and a single vertical line (|) separating the chemical species in each half-cell.

Oxidation and Reduction Half-Cells

In a galvanic cell, there are two half-cells – the oxidation half-cell and the reduction half-cell. In the oxidation half-cell, oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs, whereas in the reduction half-cell, reduction (gain of electrons) takes place.

Position of Oxidation Half-Cell in Cell Representation

In a cell representation, the oxidation half-cell is positioned on the left side, while the reduction half-cell is on the right side. The general representation is: Oxidation half-cell | Salt bridge || Reduction half-cell.

Fill in the Blank

The correct side for the oxidation half-cell in a cell representation is the left side. So, the answer to fill in the blank is "left". In cell representation, oxidation half-cell is represented on the left.

Key concepts

Oxidation Half-Cell

The oxidation half-cell is a crucial component in a galvanic cell. It is where the oxidation process occurs, involving the loss of electrons from the chemical species present. In a typical cell representation, the oxidation half-cell is located on the left side. This is because oxidation always takes place at the anode, which is conventionally written on the left.

• Oxidation involves loss of electrons.
• The anode is the site of oxidation in a galvanic cell.
• Electrons produced in the oxidation half-cell travel through the external circuit to the reduction half-cell.

Understanding the function and representation of the oxidation half-cell helps in grasping how a galvanic cell operates, especially in terms of electron flow and energy conversion.

Galvanic Cell

A galvanic cell, also known as a voltaic cell, is a device that generates electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions. It consists of two half-cells connected by a salt bridge or porous barrier and an external circuit. Each half-cell contains a distinct electrode immersed in an electrolyte solution.

• The oxidation reaction occurs at the anode in the oxidation half-cell.
• The reduction reaction occurs at the cathode in the reduction half-cell.
• The salt bridge maintains electrical neutrality by allowing the flow of ions.

In a galvanic cell, the flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit is harnessed as electrical energy. This phenomenon underpins the working of batteries and many other devices, making the galvanic cell a staple in both educational and practical settings.

Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are reactions where reduction and oxidation processes occur simultaneously. These reactions are fundamental to the function of galvanic cells. In redox reactions, one species loses electrons (oxidation), while another gains electrons (reduction).

• Oxidation involves the loss of electrons (OIL: Oxidation Is Loss).
• Reduction involves the gain of electrons (RIG: Reduction Is Gain).
• A redox reaction can be split into two half-reactions for analysis: one for oxidation and one for reduction.

In the context of galvanic cells, redox reactions are the driving force that facilitates electron flow from one half-cell to another, thereby generating electrical energy. Understanding redox reactions is essential for exploring electrochemical processes and applications.