Experiment 2: Potential of a Galvanic Cell

I.

Abstract
A Galvanic cell is an electric cell that generates an electromotive force by
conversion of chemical to electrical energy. It derives electrical energy from redox
reactions; spontaneous redox reactions create electrical energy. This is where electrons
from the reaction transfer through an external path or circuit. The Galvanic cell consists
of two different metals connected by a salt bridge, separated by a porous disk or salt
bridge. Galvanic cells are typically used as a source of electrical power, they produce
direct current. Parallel-connected galvanic cells make up a battery.
In this experiment, the researchers are expected to determine the electrode
potential of a galvanic cell. The researchers need to construct a galvanic cell and
determine the electrode potential with the use of a multi-meter. The setup must yield a
positive reading. If not, there must be a problem with the construction the execution of
the experiment of galvanic cell or. Also, the voltage reading must be accurate with the
voltage readings on the Table for Standard Electrode potential.

II.

Objectives
The objective of the experiment is to construct a galvanic cell and determine its
potential.

III.

Procedure
1.) To start the experiment, the galvanic cell must be prepared. Two (2) test
electrodes will be coupled. Each group will be given a half cell electrode; groups
will pair up with another group. Use alligator wires to couple the half-cell
electrodes, Make sure that the alligator wires do not touch the solution when the
dipping the electrodes in the solution. Dip the ends of the salt bridge on each cell.
2.) Set the multi-meter to voltage mode. Connect each electrode top the input
terminals of the multi-meter and record the voltage reading. If you are getting/
reading a negative voltage, interchange the terminal connections.

a.) Setup:

b.) Materials
a. Digital Multimeter
b. 25-ml beaker (2pcs)
c. Salt bridge: prepared by dipping a 1cm by 15cm filter paper in a
saturated KCl solution

c.) Chemicals
a. Zn metal, 0.1M ZnSO4 20ml
b. Pb metal, 0.1 M Pb(NO3)2 20ml
c. Cu metal, 0.1M CuSO4
d. Al metal, 0.1M Al(NO3)3

IV.

Treatment of Results
a. Write the Cell Diagram [2] for each cell measured, placing the negative
electrode (anode) on the left and the positive electrode (cathode) on the
right. Below the diagram write the electrode reactions and the overall cell
reaction.
Cell Diagram: Al|Al3+ (1M) ||Pb2+ (1M) |Pb
Electrode reactions:

Anode: Al Al3+ + 3e
Cathode: Pb2+ + 2e Pb
Overall cell reaction: 2Al + 3Pb2+ 2Al3+ + 3Pb

b. Compare the readings obtained in the different cells with the voltages
expected based on the Table for Standard Electrode Potential.
Couple (M1/M1+)---(M2/M2+)

Measured Potential/ V

1
2
3
4
5
6

Zn/Zn2+
Zn/Zn2+
Cu/Cu2+
Zn/Zn2+
Cu/Cu2+
Al/Al3+

Cu/Cu2+
Al/Al3+
Pb/Pb2+
Pb/Pb2+
Al/+Al3+
Pb/Pb2+

V.

Questions
a. What does a negative potential reading in the multi-

Standard
Electrode
Potential
1.10V
0.90V
0.47V
0.63V
2.00V
1.53V

1.027V
0.980V
0.043V
0.867V
0.034V
0.109V

meter indicate?

A negative potential reading means that there must be a problem with the
construction the execution of the experiment of galvanic cell.

b. Give some practical applications of electrochemical cells.

Some practical applications of electrochemical cells are the storage and
conversion of energy. Devices that carry out these conversions are called Batteries.
Batteries are sets of galvanic cells that are connected in parallel.

VI.

Conclusion and Recommendation

Galvanic cells are only one of the million inventions made by man to improve life.
These cells are important because they are the basis for the batteries that fuel
modern society. Batteries are capable of delivering enough energy to power devices
and machines.
For the future researchers who will undertake similar research, the researchers
would like to recommend the following:

Production of more cells to be able to create batteries that consist of parallel

galvanic cells
Conduct more trials for the accuracy and precision of data gathered.