John Mark J.

Lappay Date performed: October 18 2019

39-L Date submitted: October 24 2019

Group 5

Exercise 10 Voltaic Cell and Electrolysis

I. Introduction

Haustein, (2014) defines oxidation-reduction reactions, also known as redox reactions, as

chemical processes in which electrons are transferred from one atom, ion, or molecule to
another.

Oxidation-reduction reactions are a combination of two processes: oxidation, in which

electrons are lost, and reduction, in which electrons are gained. The two processes cannot occur
independently of each other.

The driving force of oxidation-reduction reactions is the transfer of electrons. Although it is

sometimes difficult to remember what happens to electrons during oxidation and what happens
during reduction, a look at familiar processes can help keep this straight. Some of the first
oxidation-reduction reactions understood by chemists were those that involved oxygen, the most
plentiful element on Earth. When combined with other elements in a compound or molecule,
oxygen frequently is an electron “hog,” taking electrons away from many other elements, which
oxidizes them. The oxygen then takes the negatively charged electrons and becomes a negatively
charged ion. The oxygen has been “reduced,” somewhat like taking in negative thoughts will
reduce a person's positive attitude. An example of this is the reaction between oxygen in the air
and iron. The metal iron becomes positively charged and the oxygen becomes negatively
charged. The two charged ions now attract each other and hang around together in the form of
iron oxide, or rust.

A galvanic cell or voltaic cell is a device in which a redox reaction, such as the
spontaneously occurs and produces an electric current. In order for the transfer of electrons in a
redox reaction to produce an electric current and be useful, the electrons are made to pass
through an external electrically conducting wire instead of being directly transferred between the
oxidizing and reducing agents. The design of a galvanic cell allows this to occur. In a galvanic
cell, two solutions, one containing the ions of the oxidation half-reaction and the other containing
the ions of the reduction half-reaction, are placed in separated compartments called half-cells.
For each half-cell, the metal, which is called an electrode, is placed in the solution and connected
to an external wire. The electrode at which oxidation occurs is called the anode and the electrode
at which reduction occurs is called the cathode two half-cells are connected by a salt-bridge that
allows a “current” of ions from one half-cell to the other to complete the circuit of electron
current in the external wires. When the two electrodes are connected to an electric load (such as a
light bulb or voltmeter) the circuit is completed, the oxidation-reduction reaction occurs, and
electrons move from the anode (−) to the cathode (+), producing an electric current. (UCCS
Chem 106 Laboratory Manual, n.d)

The cell potential, Ecell, which is a measure of the voltage that the battery can provide, is
calculated from the half-cell reduction potentials:

Ecell = Ecathode - Eanode

At standard conditions, indicated by the superscript o , the standard cell potential, E°cell,
is based upon the standard reduction potentials, as shown in equation

E°cell = E°cathode – E°anode

When conditions are not standard, the Nernst equation, is used to calculate the potential
of a cell. In the Nernst equation, R is the universal gas constant with a value of 8.314 J/(K⋅mol),
T is the temperature in K, and n is the number of electrons transferred in the redox reaction. Q is
the reaction quotient for the ion products/ion reactants of the cell. The solid electrodes have
constant “concentrations” and so do not appear in Q. F is the Faraday constant with a known
value of 96,500 J/(V⋅mol).

𝑹𝑻
Ecell = E0cell –(𝒏𝑭) (𝒍𝒏 𝑸)
where:
E0cell is the standard cell potential
R is the universal gas constant: R = 8.314472(15) J K−1 mol−1
T is the temperature in kelvin
n is the number of electrons transferred in the cell reaction or half-
reaction
F is the Faraday constant, 9.64853399(24)×104 C mol−1
Q is the quotient of the molar concentration of the product over the
reactant

Electrolysis, process by which electric current is passed through a substance to effect a

chemical change. The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron
(oxidation or reduction). The process is carried out in an electrolytic cell (q.v.), an apparatus
consisting of positive and negative electrodes held apart and dipped into a solution containing
positively and negatively charged ions. The substance to be transformed may form the electrode,
may constitute the solution, or may be dissolved in the solution. Electric current (i.e., electrons)
enters through the negatively charged electrode (cathode); positively charged components of the
solution travel to this electrode, combine with the electrons, and are transformed to neutral
elements or molecules. The negatively charged components of the solution travel to the other
electrode (anode), give up their electrons, and are transformed into neutral elements or
molecules. If the substance to be transformed is the electrode, the reaction is generally one in
which the electrode dissolves by giving up electrons. (Electrolysis, 2016)

(Walsh, 1991) In 1832, Michael Faraday reported that the quantity of elements separated
by passing an electric current through a molten or dissolved salt is proportional to the quantity of
electric charge passed through the circuit. This became the basis of the first law of electrolysis.

First law

In Faraday's words, "Chemical action or decomposing power is exactly proportional to the

quantity of electricity which passes". A modern statement is that the mass of a substance deposited or
liberated during electrolysis is proportional to the quantity of electricity passed:

𝑤∝𝑄

Second law

Faraday wrote: "Electrochemical equivalents coincide and are the same with ordinary chemical
equivalents" Currently, it is no longer fashionable to use the term 'chemical equivalent' and it is replaced
by the ratio of molar mass of the species divided by the number of electrons per molecule

𝑀
𝑤∝
𝑧

Combined laws

From proportionalities (1) and (2), it follows that

𝑀
𝑤∝𝑄
𝑧

One of Faraday's outstanding contributions was to identify the universal nature of this expression
and to determine the constant of proportionality. Hence
 1 𝑀
𝑊 = ( )𝑄( )
𝐹 𝑧

where the Faraday constant now has an accepted value

F = 96485C.mo1- 1

Rearrangement of equation above gives

𝑄𝑀
𝐹=
𝑤𝑧
Which provides the basis of a simple experimental method for determining the Faraday constant.
It also shows that it is the quantity of electricity associated with electrolysis of one 'gram equivalent' i.e.
1/z moles of a substance.

At the end of the exercise, we are expected to be able to do the construction of a voltaic cell. We
are also expected to determine the cell po tential of the voltaic cell, determine the effect of concentration
on the cell potential using Nernst Equation. Lastly, we should be able to set up a cell for the electrolysis
with Copper and use the Faraday’s Law of Electrolysis to determine the mass of the deposited Copper for
its electrolysis.

II. Materials
A. Reagents:

 50 mL 1.0 M Fe(NO3)3
 50 mL 0.5 M Cu(NO3)2
 50 mL 0.5 M Fe(NO3)3
 50 mL 1.0 M Cu(NO3)2
 Saturated KCl
 100 mL CuSO4 electrolyte solution

B. Apparatus and Equipment

 2 separate 100-mL beakers
 250-mL beaker
 Negative lead (black)
 Brass electrode
 Carbon electrode
 Alligator clips
 Multimeter
 U-shaped tube
 Cotton (Porous plug)
 Thermometer
 III. Procedure

This experiment had two parts. Part A, where the construction of a Galvanic Cell took place
and Part B which was about Electrolysis.

Part A. Construction of a Galvanic Cell

Two separate 100-mL beakers were used to contain the 50 mL 1.0 M Fe(NO3)3 and 50
mL 0.5 M Cu(NO3)2. A salt bridge prepared by the lab instructor by putting KCl solution into a
U-shaped tube with having two open ends. Both ends were sealed with small piece of cotton.
Then, both ends of the tube were put dipped into the two separate beakers containing 50 mL 1.0
M Fe(NO3)3 and 50 mL 0.5 M Cu(NO3)2 to act as a salt bridge. Then, the Fe electrode was
connected to the negative terminal of the multimeter through the alligator clips, and the Cu
electrode was connected to the positive terminal on the other hand. The cell was allowed to stand
for some amount of time and then shortly after, the readings of the multimeter acting as the
voltmeter was noted. Right after, the procedure was repeated on the second time, the only
difference was the amount of the molarity of the two solution. On the second procedure, 50 mL
0.5 M Fe(NO3)3 and 50 mL 1.0 M Cu(NO3)2 was used in constructing the Galvanic Cell and then
the readings of the multimeter was also noted.

Part B. Electrolysis

Before proceeding in the experiment, the mass of the brass was obtained and noted. Then,
a 100 mL solution of CuSO4 was poured into a 250 mL beaker. Both electrodes, which were also
both clamped by an alligator clip were placed in the electrolyte solution. They were taped to the
side so as not to make both electrodes touch, also the alligator clips were not immersed in the
KCl solution. The power source was then plugged and turned on, having the initial 9 voltage and
0.64 amperes. The lab class then waited for 15 minutes and then the power supply was turned
off. After turning it off, the electrodes were removed from being dipped in the solution. Lastly
the mass of the brass electrode was again obtained and noted

IV. Data/Observation

A. Galvanic Cell
 The oxidation and reduction (redox) half reaction that took place in the galvanic
cell were:

OHR:

Fe(s) → Fe3+(aq) + 3e-

(Fe(s) → Fe3+ (aq) + 3e-) (2)

2 Fe →6 e- 2 Fe3+

RHR:

Cu 2+ (aq) + 2e- → Cu(s)

(Cu 2+ (aq) + 2e- → Cu(s) ) (3)

3 Cu2+ + 6 e- → 3 Cu

By combining both half-reaction, the overall reaction that took place in the
galvanic cell was:

Overall reaction:

2 Fe(s) + 3 Cu2+(s) → 2 Fe3+(aq) + 3 Cu(s)

I.

The experimental theoretical potential cell, V was computed using the Nernst
equation given by the equation;

𝑹𝑻 [𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭]
Ecell = E0cell –(𝒏𝑭) (𝒍𝒏 [𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕])
where:
E0cell is the standard cell potential
R is the universal gas constant: R = 8.314472(15) J K−1 mol−1
T is the temperature in kelvin
n is the number of electrons transferred in the cell reaction or half-
reaction
F is the Faraday constant, 9.64853399×104 C mol−1

1. Calculation of the standard cell potential

 In order to calculate the standard cell potential E0cell of the reaction in the galvanic
cell, the equation below was used
E°cell = E°cathode – E°anode

The values of each electrode reaction of the cathode and anode was obtained by the
standard reduction potential table at 250 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑢𝑠 below

Table 1. Standard reduction potential table at 𝟐𝟓𝟎 𝑪𝒆𝒍𝒔𝒊𝒖𝒔

 Standard reduction potential table. Retrieved from:
https://www.chegg.com/homework-help/questions-and-answers/standard-reduction-
potentials-25-degree-c-volts-consider-in3-half-reaction-element-indium--q3920889

Referring in the table 1, the anode had the value of -0.44

Fe3+(aq) + 2e-1 → Fe(aq) +0.77

Figure 1 . Value of Fe3+(aq) + 3e-1 → Fe(aq) in the standard reduction potential

table at 250 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑢𝑠

On the other hand, the cathode had the value of +0.34 (see table 1)
 Cu(s) → Cu2+(aq) + 2e-1 -0.34

Figure 2 . Value of Cu2+(aq) + e- →Cu(s) in the standard reduction potential

table at 250 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑢𝑠

Referring on table 1, both Fe3+ and Cu2+ had positive values on their standard reduction
potential at 250 𝐶𝑒𝑙𝑠𝑖𝑢𝑠. In order for the redox reaction to occur, one among the reagents have to
supply electrons to the other, since Cu(s) had lower standard reduction potential then by (Insert
citation) it should be the one to supply electrons to the other reagents which is Fe3+. Thus, the
reduction expression of Cu would invert so as to make it release electron that implies it being on
the anode, having oxidation reaction and supplying electron to the other reagent on the galvanic
cell.

For the calculation of the standard cell potential, the values of the standard reduction
potential are plugged-in in the equation for the standard cell potential.

E°cell = E°cathode – E°anode

E°cell = (+0.77 )– (-0.34)

E°cell =0.43

2. Temperature conversion

The temperature noted in the experiment was 290 𝐶, this was converted into an absolute
temperature scale, which is measured in Kelvin (Helmenstine, 2018). To convert Celsius to
Kelvin, this conversion formula was used

Celsius to Kelvin K = ° C + 273.15

K =290 𝐶 +273.15

K=302.15

3. Calculation of the electrode potential of each set-up

To calculate the electrode potential for each set-up, the Nernst equation was used:
 𝑹𝑻 [𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐭]
Ecell = E°cell –(𝒏𝑭) (𝒍𝒏 [𝑹𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒕𝒂𝒏𝒕])

Table 2. Number of moles of the reactant and product for each set-up
Set-up Product (Fe) Reactant (Cu)
st
1 0.5 mol 1 mol
nd
2 1 mol 0.5 mol

3.1 Cell potential calculation of the 1st set-up

Plugging in the values of set-up 1 (see table 2.) in the Nernst equation,

8.314472 J K−1 mol−1(302.15) 0.5

Ecell = 0.43 –( ) (𝑙𝑛 )
2(96485 𝐶/𝑚𝑜𝑙) 1

Ecell = 0.43−(0.013018695)(−0.69314718)

Ecell= 0.4390238722 V

3.2 Cell potential calculation of the 2nd set-up

Plugging in the values of set-up 1 (see table 2.) in the Nernst equation

8.314472 J K−1 mol−1(302.15) 1

Ecell = 0.43 –( 2(96485 𝐶/𝑚𝑜𝑙)
) (𝑙𝑛 0.5)

Ecell = 0.43−(0.013018695)(0.69314718)

Ecell= 0.4209761278 V

4. Calculation of the percent error

To calculate for the percent error, the difference between the experimental and theoretical
values is divided by the known value then multiplied by 100%. (“Percent Error Formula”, 2017)

0⁄ 𝑒𝑥𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒 − 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒

0 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = | 𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑜𝑟𝑒𝑡𝑖𝑐𝑎𝑙 𝑣𝑎𝑙𝑢𝑒
| × 100
 To obtain the percent error of the experiment, the values of the experimental potential
cell and theoretical potential cell of each set-up is plugged in.

4.1 Percent error of the 1st set-up

Plugging in the values of the 1st set-up (see table 2.) in the percent error formula,

0⁄ 0.46 − 0.44
0 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = | 0.44
| × 100

0⁄
0 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 4.5 %
4.2 Percent error of the 2nd set-up

Plugging in the values of the 2nd set-up (see table 2.) in the percent error formula

0⁄ 0.35 − 0.42
0 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = | | × 100
0.42

0⁄
0 𝑒𝑟𝑟𝑜𝑟 = 16.7 %

Table 3. Determination of percent error in the constructed galvanic cell

1st set-up 2nd set-up

Experimental potential cell, 0.46 Volts 0.35 Volts

V

Theoretical cell potential, 0.44 Volts 0.42 Volts

V

Percent error, % 4.5 % 16.7 %

 The results for the determination of percent error in the constructed galvanic cell are
shown in the tabulated information above. It includes the percent error of the two set-up and their
experimental and potential cell in volts where the percent error was obtained.

B. Electrolysis

Computation on the Theoretical Mass Deposit of Copper

𝑀𝐼𝑡
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 =
𝑛𝐹
𝑔
(63.55 ) (0.01𝐴)(900𝑠)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐶
(2)(96485 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑔
(63.55 ) (0.01𝐴)(900𝑠)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐶
(2 )(96485 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 ≈ 0.003 𝑔

Computation on F, Faraday’s Constant

𝑀𝐼𝑡
𝐹=
𝑚𝑛
𝑔
(63.55 ) (0.01𝐴)(900𝑠)
𝐹= 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
(0.01𝑔)(2)
𝐶
𝐹 = 28597.5
𝑚𝑜𝑙
C.
Computation of the mass of copper (in g) produced by a current of 1.5 A in 1.00
hours in the electrolysis of 𝑪𝒖𝑺𝑶𝟒 solution

𝑀𝐼𝑡
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 =
𝑛𝐹
𝑔
(63.55 ) (1.5 𝐴)(3600 𝑠)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐶
(2)(96485 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑔
(63.55 ) (1.5 𝐴)(3600𝑠)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐶
(2 )(96485 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
 𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 ≈ 1.78 𝑔

I. Determination of the mass deposited on the brass electrode

Table 2. Data on the electrolysis of copper

Current (A) 0.93 amperes

Time (sec) 900 sec

Initial mass of brass electrode (g) 2.10 grams

Final mass of brass electrode (g) 2.24 grams

Mass deposited (g) 0.14 grams

In this part of the experiment, a power source was used to supply electricity into
the set-up. The current supplied into the set-up was arbitrarily set into 0.93 amperes.
The time was, likewise, arbitrarily set into 900 seconds, measured by a stopwatch app
in a smartphone.

To obtain the initial mass of the brass electrode, it is weighed using a measuring
scale, and obtained a value of 2.10 grams. This was done prior to the experiment
proper where the set-up was arranged. After the set-up, the brass electrode was again
weighed, and the mass obtained was 2.24 grams. The final mass of the electrode was
subtracted into its initial mass to obtain the mass of the brass electrode. This
calculation is given by the equation

Mass deposited= Final mass of brass electrode - Initial mass of brass electrode
 Half reactions occurring at each electrode

a. Anode

The negative cathode reaction with graphite electrodes

The cathode which is negatively charged attracts Cu2+ ions coming from the copper
sulfate and H+ ions from water. Only the copper ion is discharged, being reduced to copper
metal. The less reactive a metal, the more readily its ion is reduced on the electrode surface.
(Brown, n.d)

The reason a copper deposit form is due to the positive copper ion being attracted to the
cathode (negative electrode) positive ion reduction by electron gains

6H2O(l) → 4H3O +(aq) + O2(g) + 4e

The traces of hydrogen ions are not discharged, so no gas was collected above the
negative electrode. There were no gas collected above the negative electrode since the traces of
hydrogen ions are not discharged.

b. Cathode:

The positive anode reaction with graphite electrodes

Oxygen gas is formed at the positive electrode, an oxidation reaction (electron loss).

The negative sulfate ions (SO42-) or the traces of hydroxide ions (OH–) are attracted to
the positive electrode. But the sulfate ion is too stable and nothing happens. Instead either
hydroxide ions or water molecules are discharged and oxidised to form oxygen. (Brown, n.d.)

Cu 2++ 2e- → Cu(s)

(Cu 2++ 2e- → Cu(s)) (2)

2Cu 2++ 4e- → 2Cu(s)

 Overall Reaction: 2Cu 2++ 6H2O(l) → 2Cu(s) + 4H3O+(aq) + O2(g)

Computation on F, Faraday’s Constant

𝑀𝐼𝑡
𝐹=
𝑚𝑛
𝑔
(63.55 ) (0.01𝐴)(900𝑠)
𝐹= 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
(0.01𝑔)(2)

𝐶
𝐹 = 28597.5
𝑚𝑜𝑙

Computation of the mass of copper (in g) produced by a current of 1.5 A in 1.00 hours in
the electrolysis of 𝑪𝒖𝑺𝑶𝟒 solution

𝑀𝐼𝑡
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 =
𝑛𝐹
𝑔
(63.55 ) (1.5 𝐴)(3600 𝑠)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐶
(2)(96485 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝑔
(63.55 ) (1.5 𝐴)(3600𝑠)
𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 = 𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒
𝐶
(2 )(96485 )
𝑚𝑜𝑙𝑒

𝑚𝑎𝑠𝑠 𝑜𝑓 𝑑𝑒𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑖𝑡 ≈ 1.78 𝑔

5. Discussion

A. Galvanic cell

Galvanic cell, also known as voltaic cell, is a device in which a reduction reaction and
oxidation reaction spontaneously occurs and in result produce an electric current (UCCS Chem
106 Laboratory Manual, n.d.). The transfer of electrons in this kind of reaction are to be useful
by making it pass through an external electrically conducting wire rather than having it
transferred between the oxidizing and reducing agents. To make this happen, a galvanic cell is
designed as shown in the figure below

Figure 2. Design and components of a Galvanic Cell with Overall Redox Reaction
between Cadmium and Copper. (Electrochemistry, n.d.) “Image source:
https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_general-chemistry-principles-patterns-and-
applications-v1.0/averill_1.0-ch04#averill_1.0-ch04

However, in the experiment the galvanic cell had Iron and Copper as its electrodes.
Chang, 2010 defined, the anode in a galvanic cell as the electrode at which oxidation occurs and
the cathode is the electrode at which reduction occurs. Iron electrode was the anode in the redox
reaction which means it was oxidized during the experiment. On the other hand, the copper
electrode was the cathode which means it was reduced. Overall, the redox reaction in this
experiment was: 2Fe(s) + 3Cu 2+ (aq) → 3Cu(s) + 2Fe3+ (aq
 Parts of a Galvanic Cell set-up

A Galvanic cell consists of two separate half-cells. A half-cell is composed of an

electrode (a strip of metal, M) within a solution containing Mn+ ions in which M is any arbitrary
metal. The two half cells are linked together by a wire running from one electrode to the other. A
salt bridge also connects to the half cells. The functions of these parts are discussed below.
Libretexts. (2019, June 5).

1. Half Cells

Half of the redox reaction occurs at each half cell. This means that in each half cell, either
a reduction or oxidation reaction takes place. An electrochemical cell is created when this two
half cells are linked together by a salt bridge.

2. Electrodes

An electrode is strip of metal on which the reaction takes place. In a galvanic cell, the
oxidation and reduction of metals occurs at the electrodes. There are two electrodes in a voltaic
cell, one in each half-cell. The cathode is where reduction takes place and oxidation takes place
at the anode. Through electrochemistry, these reactions are reacting upon metal surfaces, or
electrodes. An oxidation-reduction equilibrium is established between the metal and the
substances in solution. When electrodes are immersed in a solution containing ions of the same
metal, it is called a half-cell. Electrolytes are ions in solution, usually fluid, that conducts
electricity through ionic conduction.

When an electrode is oxidized in a solution, it is called an anode and when an electrode is

reduced in solution. it is called a cathode.

Anode: The anode is where the oxidation reaction takes place. In other words, this is
where the metal loses electrons.

Cathode: The cathode is where the reduction reaction takes place. This is where the
metal electrode gains electrons.

3. Salt bridge

The salt bridge is a vital component of any voltaic cell. It is a tube filled with an
electrolyte solution such as KNO3(s) or KCl(s). The purpose of the salt bridge is to keep the
solutions electrically neutral and allow the free flow of ions from one cell to another. Without the
salt bridge, positive and negative charges will build up around the electrodes causing the reaction
to stop.

B. Half-reactions
 Half-reactions are the component of a redox reaction, which is either oxidation or
reduction reactions. This can be determined by considering the change in oxidation states of
individual ions or substances in the reduction-oxidation reaction.

Often, the concept of half-reactions is used to describe what occurs in an electrochemical

cell, such as a Galvanic cell battery. Half-reactions can be written to describe both the metal
undergoing oxidation (known as the anode) and the metal undergoing reduction (known as the
cathode) (“Half-Reactions”, 2019)

In the experiment, Fe lost electron in the reactions, which made it the substance that had
undergo oxidation reaction. In the definition above Fe was the anode, its half reaction was
expressed by

2 Fe →6 e- 2 Fe3+

On the other hand, the reduction reaction happened at the Cu cathode. This means
that electrons were accepted in this cathode. Its reduction half-reaction was represented by.

3 Cu2+ + 6 e- → 3 Cu

In a chemical reaction, the electrons appearing or disappearing cannot be perceived. It is

only the reactants and products that can be observed in the course of the reaction. Because of
this, electrons are omitted on both side of the equation.By combining both half-reactions, the
overall reaction that took place in the galvanic cell was:

2 Fe(s) + 3 Cu2+(s) → 2 Fe3+(aq) + 3 Cu(s)

In this reaction, (NO3) neither gained nor lost an electron, this means that (NO3) was a
spectator ion on the reaction. It can also be observed that Fe supplied the electrons to Cu and the
exact number of electrons that Fe supplied is equal to the exact number of electrons that Cu
accepted.

Cell potential

The cell potential is the way in which we can measure how much voltage exists between the
two half cells of a battery. This potential difference is caused by the ability of electrons to flow
from one half cell to the other. Electrons were able to move between electrodes because the
chemical reaction is a redox reaction. (Libretexts, 2019). For electrons to be transferred from the
anode to the cathode, there must be some energy potential that makes this phenomenon
favorable. The potential energy that drives the redox reactions involved in electrochemical cells
is the potential for the anode to become oxidized and the potential for the cathode to become
reduced. The electrons involved in these cells will fall from the anode, which has a higher
potential to become oxidized to the cathode, which has a lower potential to become oxidized.

C. Theoretical Cell potential VS. Experimental cell potential

The theoretical cell potential of the 1st and 2nd set-ups were calculated using the Nernst
equation which was
𝑹𝑻
Ecell = E0cell –(𝒏𝑭) (𝒍𝒏 𝑸)

As can be inferred on the table 3, which was again showed here below, both the
experimental and theoretical cell potential of the 1st set up was comparably larger than the
experimental and theoretical cell potential of the 2nd set-up. This implies that the 1st set-up has a
more favorable reaction compared to the 2nd set-up. Having more favorable reaction means that
the 1st set-up’s electrons had more ability to flow from one-half cell to another half-cell. That
would also mean that the cathode of the set-up, which is 1 mole Cu have larger potential to
become reduced compared to the 2nd set-up’s 0.5 Cu, which has smaller potential to be reduced.
From this inference it could be deduced that the potential of a substance to be reduced depend on
the number of moles. The higher the mole of a cathode, the higher is its potential to be reduced
and thus in turn would make the redox reaction’s cell potential to be larger.

Set-up Product (Fe) Reactant (Cu)

1st 0.5 mol 1 mol
2nd 1 mol 0.5 mol

Table 3. Determination of percent error in the constructed galvanic cell

1st set-up 2nd set-up

Experimental potential cell, 0.46 Volts 0.35 Volts

V
 Theoretical cell potential, 0.44 Volts 0.42 Volts
V

Percent error, % 4.5 % 16.7 %

 For V. Discussion, the following should be included in your discussion but not limited to:
Voltaic cell

 Half reactions involved and explanation. Reiterate overall reaction and interpret the
o
reaction. Mention the Ecell for the reaction and the implication of it.
 Theoretical cell potential vs experimental cell potential
 Answers to postlab questions 1-3
 Other possible sources of error
Electrolysis
 Comprehensive discussion of electrolytic cell including function of each part.
 Mention electroplating and definition.
 Half reactions involved and explanation. Reiterate overall reaction and interpret the
o
reaction. Mention the Ecell for the reaction and the implication of it.
 What half reaction takes place in the cathode? In the anode? Which electrode is the
cathode and the anode?
 Theoretical mass deposited vs experimental
 Answers to postlab questions 4-6 (question 7 should no longer be answered)
 Other possible sources of error
Include suggestion on how to improve the exercise.

a. Comprehensive analysis of results

b. Trends observed and generalizations formulated
c. Errors committed and the effect of these errors on the results
d. Other possible sources of errors
e. Suggestion/s on the improvement of the exercise (procedure, design, etc)

6. Conclusion
7. Literature Cited

1. (MLA 8th Edition)

Haustein, Catherine Hinga. "Oxidation-reduction reaction." The Gale Encyclopedia of
Science, edited by K. Lee Lerner and Brenda Wilmoth Lerner, 5th ed., Gale, 2014.
 Gale In Context: Science. Retrieved from
https://link.gale.com/apps/doc/CV2644031629/SCIC?u=dc_demo&sid=SCIC&xid=b
aa9fde9. Accessed 19 Oct. 2019.
2. UCCS Chem 106 Laboratory Manual. (n.d.). Experiment 9 Electrochemistry I – Galvanic
Cell. [online] Available at:
http://www.uccs.edu/Documents/chemistry/nsf/106%20Expt9V-GalvanicCell.pdf
[Accessed 12 Jun. 2017].
3. The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica, “Electrolysis”. Encyclopædia Britannica,
Encyclopædia Britannica, inc, 2016. Retrieved from
https://www.britannica.com/science/electrolysis
4. Walsh, Frank. (1991). FARADAY AND HIS LAWS OF ELECTROLYSIS AN
APPRECIATION. Bulletin of Electrochemistry. 7. 481-484.
5. Standard Reduction Potentials. Retrieved from https://www.chegg.com/homework-
help/questions-and-answers/standard-reduction-potentials-25-degree-c-volts-consider-
in3-half-reaction-element-indium--q3920889
6. Helmenstine, Anne Marie. (2018) Absolute Temperature Definition. Retrieved from
https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-absolute-temperature-604354
7. Percent Error Formula (2017). Retrieved from
http://astro.physics.uiowa.edu/ITU/glossary/percent-error-formula/
8. Electrochemistry, n.d. Retrieved from https://saylordotorg.github.io/text_general-
chemistry-principles-patterns-and-applications-v1.0/averill_1.0-ch04#averill_1.0-ch04
9. Libretexts. (2019, June 5). Voltaic Cells. Retrieved from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(
Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Voltaic_Cells.
10. Libretexts. (2019, June 15). Half-Reactions. Retrieved from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(
Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Redox_Chemistry/Half-Reactions.
11. Libretexts. (2019, June 5). The Cell Potential. Retrieved from
https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(
Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Voltaic_Cells/The_Cell_Potential.