Kaverimanian, Arjun

Oxidation
Numbers

Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
Reactions that involve the transfer of
electrons between two species.
Ex.
Cu(s) + 2 Ag+(aq) --> Cu2+(aq) + 2 Ag(s)
These reactions can be written as two half
reactions.
Ex.
Cu(s) --> Cu2+ + 2e- and Ag+ + e- = Ag(s)
OIL RIG - Oxidation is Loss (of e-), Reduction is
Gain (of e-)

The oxidation number of an

element by itself is always
0.

H2, N2, Fe, Ni

The oxidation number of a

monatomic ion is always
the charge of said ion

N3- = -3, Na1+= +1

Oxygen usually has an

oxidation number of -2.

Exceptions:polyatomic ions
that contain O-O bonds,
such as O2, O3, H2O2, and
the O22- ion.

The sum of the oxidation

numbers in a neutral
compound is zero.The sum of
the oxidation numbers in a
neutral compound is zero.

H2O ; H= +1, O= -2

Galvanic Cells
-

Electrolytic Cells

At the anode an element is oxidized, while at the cathode

an element is reduced (AUTO CAR).
When oxidized, the anode element releases electrons,
which pass through the cable and through the voltmeter to
the Cathode solution, where positively charged ions gain
electrons and precipitate onto the Cathode.
Ex. Zn(s) oxidizes into Zn2+ ions that go into solution. In
this process, electrons are released that go through the
cable/voltmeter and into the cathode solution of H+. These
electrons then join with the H+ ions to form more H2(g).
The flow of electrons through the voltmeter is
electricity, and the number that appears on the voltmeter
is known as the electric potential.
Electrons flow from Anode to Cathode.
Eocell = + number
Use the activity series to see if an ion will or will not
change places with a metal atom in solid on an electrode.
Cathode Cathode solution Anode solution anode

Electrolytic cells carry out a nonspontaneous reaction.

When electricity from an external source is passed
through an electrochemical cell, electrolysis occurs
Eocell = - number
Electrons go from anode to Cathode.
The charge on the anode and cathode is reversed in an
electrolytic cell since an external power source is being
used.
Electrons being forced into the cathode result in it
taking a negative charge.
Inert electrodes pass current through themselves without
being a part of any of the reactions.

Kaverimanian, Arjun
Faradays Law- The amount of substance
consumed or produced at one of the electrodes
in an electrolytic cell is directly proportional to
the amount of electricity that passes through the
cell.
Faradays Constant- The charge on a mole of
electrons: F = 96,454.56 C and 1C = 1amp-sec
Used in equation Go= -nFEocell
When Go is positive, the reaction is
spontaneous
When Go Is negative, the reaction is
nonspontaneous

Ex. Molten AlCl3 is electrolyzed with a constant current of 5.00

amperes over a period of 600 seconds. Which of the following
expressions is equal to the maximum mass of Al(s) that plates off
(Assume 1 Faraday= 96,500 C)
Solution:
Coulombs = (seconds*amperes) = 600sec*5.00amp=3000.0C
Moles of electrons = (coulombs/96500C)= .0310880829mol eHalf reaction of Al3+ = Al3+ + 3e- Al(s)
So 1mol Al(s) is proportional to 3mole eMoles of Al(s) = .0310880829mol e- * (1mol Al(s) / 3mol e-)
= .010362693mol Al(s)
Grams of Al(s)= .010362693mol Al(s) * (1mol Al / 27.0g Al)
= .280g Al plates off.

Standard Cell Potential

o

E cell = E

cathode

-E

anode

When Eocell is negative, the reaction is

nonspontaneous, while when Eocell is positive, the
reaction is spontaneous
Positive Eocell value means the reaction will occur in
a galvanic cell. Negative Eocell value means the
reaction will only occur in an electrolytic cell.

Nernst Equation
Ecell = Eocell (.0592/n)log (Q)

Ecell = cell potential ; Eocell = standard cell potential ;

n= moles e- ; Q= reaction quotient which is same as
equilibrium expression, but with initial concentrations
instead of equilibrium concentrations.

Balancing Redox Reactions in Acidic and Basic Solutions

Acid:
1. Separate into two half reactions.
2. Balance atoms in each half reaction
except H and O.
3. Balance O by adding H2O.
4. Balance H by adding H+.
5. Add electrons to both sides to
balance charges.
6. Change coefficients so that # of eon both sides is equal.
7. Combine equations and simplify.

Base:
1. Separate into two half reactions.
2. Balance everything except H and O.
3. Balance O with H2O.
4. Balance H with H+.
5. Cancel H+ charges by adding OH- in the equations as needed.
6. Simplify the H+ and OH- by just making them one H2O if they are
on the same side, with H+ + OH- H2O
7. Add electrons to balance charges in both equations.
8.Change coefficicents so that # of e- on both sides of the equations
is equal.
9. Combine equations and simplify.

Lab Summaries
-

Voltaic Cells Lab: Various voltaic cells were created. A salt bridge is necessary for a voltaic cell
because it acts as a circuit for the electrons to travel on from the anode to cathode.
Determination of an Electrochemical Series Lab: Five different metals were tested with one same metal
in a combination of voltaic cells. The most positive Eocell for a metal correlated to the highest reduction
potential and lowest oxidation potential, while the most negative Eocell for a metal correlated and to the
lowest reduction potential but highest oxidation potential.