Chapter 25: Problem 7
The cell diagram for an electrochemical cell is given as $$ \operatorname{In}(s)\left|\operatorname{In}\left(\mathrm{ClO}_{4}\right)_{3}(a q) \| \mathrm{CdCl}_{2}(a q)\right| \operatorname{Cd}(s) $$ Write the equations for the half reactions that occur at the two electrodes and the net cell reaction.
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Identify the Anode and Cathode
Write the Oxidation Half-Reaction
Write the Reduction Half-Reaction
Balance the Electron Transfer
Combine to Write the Net Cell Reaction
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Oxidation-Reduction
It's important to remember:
- Oxidation occurs at the anode (left side of the cell diagram).
- Reduction takes place at the cathode (right side of the cell diagram).
- The mnemonic "OIL RIG" can help: Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons).
Half-Reactions
For instance, in the given cell diagram:
- The oxidation half-reaction involves solid indium turning into indium(III) ions and releasing electrons: e.g., \( \operatorname{In}(s) \rightarrow \operatorname{In}^{3+}(aq) + 3e^- \)
- In contrast, the reduction half-reaction involves cadmium ions gaining electrons to become solid cadmium: e.g., \( \operatorname{Cd}^{2+}(aq) + 2e^- \rightarrow \operatorname{Cd}(s) \)
Cell Diagrams
- The anode half-cell (oxidation) is listed on the left.
- Double vertical lines (||) separate the two different solutions, representing the salt bridge or membrane.
- The cathode half-cell (reduction) is on the right side.
Electron Transfer
When balancing:
- Ensure the number of electrons lost equals the number of electrons gained.
- Multiply the half-reactions by appropriate factors to achieve balance.
- Multiply the oxidation reaction by 2 to have 6 electrons in total: e.g., \( 2(\operatorname{In} \rightarrow \operatorname{In}^{3+} + 3e^-) \)
- Multiply the reduction reaction by 3 to balance with 6 electrons: e.g., \( 3(\operatorname{Cd}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \operatorname{Cd}) \)
Electrochemistry Concepts
Major points to consider:
- Electrons always flow from the anode to the cathode.
- Salt bridges maintain electrical neutrality by allowing ions to migrate between two half-cells.
- The energy produced in electrochemical cells comes from the potential difference between electrodes.