What is the purpose of a salt bridge in a galvanic cell?

The salt bridge allows ions to flow between half-cells, maintaining electrical neutrality. It prevents charge accumulation that would otherwise halt the reaction.

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Core Study Guide

Electrochemistry

The relationship between chemical changes and electricity.

Electrochemistry studies redox reactions where chemical energy is converted to electrical energy, or vice versa.

This unit covers oxidation states, galvanic cells (generating voltage), electrolytic cells (driving non-spontaneous reactions), and Faraday's laws.

Key Takeaways

•Oxidation is electron loss; Reduction is electron gain (OIL RIG).
•Anode is the electrode of oxidation; Cathode is the electrode of reduction.
•Galvanic cells operate spontaneously; electrolytic cells require external voltage.

Core Concepts & Definitions

1Redox Fundamentals

Oxidation and reduction always occur simultaneously to conserve charge.

•Reducing agents donate electrons (get oxidized).

•Oxidizing agents accept electrons (get reduced).

Quick Revision Notes

•Standard reduction potentials determine which species acts as the cathode (higher potential = cathode).
•Faraday's First Law: Mass deposited is proportional to charge passed (Q = I * t).