Chapter 15 OxidationReduction: Transfer of Electrons

15.5 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions that Require Electricity

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Non-spontaneous Reactions Require Energy

When a copper strip is placed in a Zn2+ solution, No reaction occurs. The oxidation of copper metal in Zn2+ is not spontaneous. Energy (a battery) is required to drive the reaction.
Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Activity Series
The activity series Places the most easily oxidized element at the top. Indicates that the oxidation of a reaction lower on the list is non-spontaneous. Indicates if a combination of two half reactions is spontaneous.
Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Some Metals in the Activity Series

Table 15.2

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Reactions that Require Energy

From the activity series.

Oxidation of Cu is below the oxidation of Zn.

The reaction is not spontaneous. Cu + Zn2+ Cu2+ + Zn
Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

A battery is needed to drive the reaction in this direction.

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Electrolytic Cells
Electrolytic cells use energy from an external source to drive a nonspontaneous reaction. For example, the reaction Cu + Zn2+ Cu2+ + Zn requires an energy source Anode: Cu Cu2+ + 2e Cathode: Zn2+ + 2e Zn

Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Learning Check
Identify each reaction as (1) spontaneous or (2) nonspontaneous A. Ca2+(aq) + Fe (s) B. Zn2+(aq) + Sn (s) C. Cu2+(aq) + Fe(s) Ca(s) Zn(s) Cu(s) + Fe2+(aq) + Sn2+(aq) + Fe2+(aq)

Solution
Identify each reaction as (1) spontaneous or (2) nonspontaneous A. 2 Ca2+(aq) + Fe (s) B. 2 Zn2+(aq) + Sn (s) C. 1 Cu2+(aq) + Fe(s) Ca(s) + Fe2+(aq) Zn(s) Cu(s) + Sn2+(aq) + Fe2+(aq)

Electrolysis
Electrolysis Involves a molten salts such as liquid CaCl2. Separates the salt into its elements. Of CaCl2 produces Ca(s) and Cl2(g).

Anion oxidized: 2Cl(l)

Cation reduced: Ca2+(l) + 2e Ca2+(l) + 2Cl(l)

Cl2(g) + 2e
Ca(s) Ca(s) + Cl2(g)

Electroplating
Electroplating in industry Uses electrolysis to drive a reaction. Places a thin layer of silver, platinum, or gold on a metal object. Uses the item to be plated as the cathode. Anode: Ag(s) Ag+(aq)+ e Cathode: Ag+(aq) + e Ag(s)
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Copyright 2008 by Pearson Education, Inc. Publishing as Benjamin Cummings

Learning Check
Nails are coated with zinc to prevent rusting. A. What is the anode? B. What reaction occurs at the anode? C. What is the cathode? D. What reaction occurs at the cathode?

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Solution
Nails are coated with zinc to prevent rusting. A. What is the anode? A piece of zinc metal. B. What reaction occurs at the anode? Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e C. What is the cathode? A nail. D. What reaction occurs at the cathode? Zn2+(aq)+ 2e Zn(s) coating on nail

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