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Chapter 17: Problem 26

Explain why the combination of the two electrode reactions of an electrochemical cell always gives the equation of a redox reaction.

Short Answer

Expert verified
The combination of the two electrode reactions of an electrochemical cell always results in a redox reaction because one electrode (the anode) undergoes oxidation (loses electrons), while the other electrode (the cathode) undergoes reduction (gains electrons). Combining these two half-reactions gives the overall redox reaction, which by definition includes both an oxidation and a reduction process.

Step by step solution

01

Understanding an Electrochemical Cell

A basic electrochemical cell has two electrodes: an anode and a cathode. The anode is where oxidation occurs, and the cathode is where reduction happens. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons. The two electrodes are usually in different solutions and are connected by a wire to complete the circuit.
02

Understanding Redox Reactions

Redox reactions are a type of chemical reaction where both oxidation (loss of electrons) and reduction (gain of electrons) happen simultaneously. An easy way to remember this is 'OIL RIG': Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain.
03

Combining the Electrode Reactions

The reactions at the anode (oxidation) and cathode (reduction) are two half-reactions. To form the overall cell reaction, you add the anode half-reaction and the cathode half-reaction together.
04

Formation of a Redox Reaction

By adding the two half-reactions (oxidation and reduction), you create a redox reaction. The substance that loses electrons at the anode is called the reducing agent, and it causes the other substance to be reduced. Similarly, the substance that gains electrons at the cathode is the oxidizing agent, causing the other substance to be oxidized. Every redox reaction therefore also contains both a reducing and an oxidizing agent.

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