Aim: The Aim of this experiment is to investigate electrochemistry including spontaneity, conductivity, galvanic cells and lead-acid cells. Spontaneous reactions will be explored by observing the two reactions below: Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) →Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) → Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)
Conductivity will be explored through measuring the conductivity of water and water with salts.
A galvanic cell will be constructed to investigate the two halves of a redox reaction and their purpose in generating voltage. Lastly, a lead-acid battery will be constructed to investigate their uses to light a light bulb.
Introduction:
Imagine a world without electrochemistry, you may think this isn’t quite such a big deal. Now …show more content…
Within this cell the oxidisation and reduction processes are separated into compartments where electrons and ions are able to move freely between. Each compartment contains a solution, known as the electrolyte and a solid material known as an electrode. It is important to note that there are two different types of electrodes, the anode and the cathode. The anode is the electrode which oxidation occurs as the cathode is the electrode in which reduction occurs (experiment 1). Figure 1 electrochemical cell (SHRESTHA and profile).
Figure 1, shows an experimental set up for an electrochemical cell, specifically one involving Zinc and copper. This set up is the set up was used in this experiment. As shown in the figure this reaction has the two half reactions of
Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq) → Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s)
Zn2+(aq) + Cu(s) → Zn(s) + Cu2+(aq)
These reactions are undertaken in the following …show more content…
Lead-Acid Battery
The lead acid battery was invented by the French physician Gaston Plantè in 1859, being the first rechargeable battery for commercial use. The lead chemistry continues to be used today. A lead battery is made from a lead alloy. The lead alloy is used as pure lead is too soft and would be unable to support itself.
Lead batteries are commonly used in everyday lives from car batteries to phone batteries. An advantage of the lead battery is it is able to be recharged, however often the time to charge them fully may take 14 to 16 hours (Batteryuniversity.com).
The below diagram shows a lead-acid battery and the redox reactions which