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Chapter 6: Problem 70

Describe Voltaic cell and write two major defects of it.

Short Answer

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Short Answer: A Voltaic cell, also known as a Galvanic cell, is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions. The basic structure comprises two metal electrodes submerged in electrolyte solutions, connected by a wire and a salt bridge. The working principle involves oxidation and reduction half-reactions, during which electrons flow between the electrodes, generating an electric current. Two major defects of Voltaic cells are their limited lifetime due to the exhaustion of chemical reactions and polarization caused by the buildup of reaction products on the electrodes, leading to decreased efficiency.

Step by step solution

01

Definition and Structure of Voltaic Cell

A Voltaic cell, also known as a Galvanic cell, is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through redox reactions. The cell consists of two metal electrodes, each submerged in an electrolyte solution. The two electrodes are made of dissimilar metals and the electrolyte is a conducting solution containing metal ions. The electrodes are connected through a wire, while the electrolyte solutions are connected through a salt bridge, completing the cell's circuit.
02

Working Principle of Voltaic Cell

The working principle of a Voltaic cell involves two half-reactions; the oxidation half-reaction occurring at the anode, and the reduction half-reaction occurring at the cathode. When the cell is connected through a wire, electrons move from the anode to the cathode due to the potential difference between the two electrodes. This flow of electrons constitutes the electric current. Meanwhile, the salt bridge maintains charge neutrality in both electrolyte solutions, allowing charges to move between them without affecting the redox reaction at the electrodes.
03

Major Defect #1: Limited Lifetime

One major defect of a Voltaic cell is its limited lifetime. The chemical reactions occurring within the cell will eventually become exhausted as the reactants are transformed into products. Once the concentration of reactants decreases significantly or the products accumulate to a degree that they hinder the redox reaction, the cell's voltage and current will decrease. Thus, the Voltaic cell will stop producing electrical energy, and its lifetime will end.
04

Major Defect #2: Polarization

Polarization is another significant defect of Voltaic cells. It occurs when the products of the redox reactions build up on the electrodes, causing a change in the electrode potentials and subsequently a decrease in the cell voltage. Polarization results in reduced efficiency and can even lead to the reversal of the redox reactions in extreme cases. To overcome polarization, depolarizing agents can be added to the electrolyte solution or mixed with the electrode materials to react with the buildup of reaction products, thus maintaining the cell's voltage and efficiency.

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