Electrochemist

ry

Electrochemist
ry
Is the study of the relationship between electricity
and chemical reaction
Chemical reactions involved in electrochemistry are :

Reduction
Oxidation

REDOX REACTION

One type of reaction cannot occur without

the other.

REDOX Reaction
REDUCTION

OXIDATION

gain of electron

loss of electron

Oxidation no. decrease

Oxidation no. increase

Reaction at cathode

Reaction at anode

Remember
RED CAT

= REDuction
at CAThode
RED
CAT

Mg Mg2+ + 2eOxidation no.

Example:

Cu2+ + 2e- Cu
Oxidation no.

Example:

Electrochemical reaction consists of reduction

and oxidation.
These two reactions are called half-cell
reactions
The combination of 2 half reactions are called
cell reaction

Example
Reduction : Cu2+(aq) + 2e- Cu(s)
Oxidation :

Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e-

Overall cell
2+
2+
Cu
+
Zn

Cu
+
Zn
(aq)
(s)
(s)
(aq)
reaction :

Half-cell
reaction

Cells
There are 2 type of cells

Electrochemical
Cells
where chemical reaction
produces electricity

Electrolytic
Cells
Uses electricity to
produce chemical
reaction

Also called;
Galvanic cell or Voltaic cell
Chemical
Energy

Electrical
Energy

Electrical
Energy

Chemical
Energy

Component and Operation

of Galvanic cell
Consists of :
1) Zn metal in an aqueous solution of Zn2+
2) Cu metal in an aqueous solution of Cu2+
- The 2 metals are connected by a wire
- The 2 containers are connected by a salt bridge.
- A voltmeter is used to detect voltage generated.

Galvanic cell
Voltmeter

Cu
electrode

Zn
electrode
Zn2+
ZnSO4(aq)
solution

Cu2+

Salt
bridge

CuSO4(aq)
solution

What happens at the zinc

electrode ?

Zinc is more electropositive than copper.

Tendency to release electrons: Zn > Cu.

Zn (s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e

Zinc dissolves.
Oxidation occurs at the Zn electrode.
Zn2+ ions enter ZnSO4 solution.
Zn is the ve electrode since it is a source of
electrons anode.

What happens at the copper

electrode ?
The electron from the Zn metal moves out through
the wire enter the Cu metal
Cu2+ ions from the solution accept electrons.

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

Copper is deposited.
Reduction occurs at the Cu electrode.
Cu is the +ve electrode cathode

Reactions Involved:

Anode :
Cathode :
Overall cell
reaction :

Zn (s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2eCu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq) Zn2+ (aq) + Cu (s)

Salt bridge
An inverted U tube containing a gel
permeated with solution of an inert
electrolyte such as KCl, Na2SO4, NH4NO3.

Functions
Salt bridge helps to maintain electrical neutrality
Completes the circuit by allowing ions carrying charge
to move from one half-cell to the other.

What happened if there is no salt bridge?

V
Zn

ZnSO4(aq)

Zn2+

e
e
e
e

Cu
e
e

Cu2+

CuSO4(aq)

As the zinc rod dissolves, the concentration of Zn2+

in the left beaker increase.
The reaction stops because the nett increase in
positive charge is not neutralized.
This excess charge build-up can be reduced by adding a salt
bridge

Zn (s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

CATHODE (+)

ANODE (-)
E = +1.10 V

Zn

ZnSO4(aq)

Zn2+

Cu

e
e

Cu2+
Salt bridge
(KCl)

CuSO4(aq)

How does the cell maintains its electrical neutrality?

Left Cell
Zn (s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2eZn2+ ions enter the solution.
Causing an overall excess of
tve charge.
Cl- ions from salt
bridge move into Zn
half cell

Right Cell
Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)
Cu 2+ ions leave the solution.
Causing an overall excess of
-ve charge.
K+ ions from salt
bridge move into Cu
half cell

Electrical neutrality is maintained

Electrochemical Cells

anode
oxidation

cathode
reduction

spontaneous
redox reaction

half

19.2

Cell notation
Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq)
Also can be represented as:

Cu (s) + Zn2+ (aq)

Salt bridge

Phase boundary

Zn (s) | Zn2+ (aq) || Cu2+ (aq) | Cu (s)

anode

cathode
Cell notation

Exercise
For the cell below, write the reaction at anode
and cathode and also the overall cell reaction.
Cell notation

Zn (s) | Zn2+(aq) || Cr3+ (aq) | Cr (s)

Anode :
Cathode :

3 Zn(s) 3Zn2+(aq) + 2e
6e- 2 Cr3+(aq) + 3e
6e- 2Cr(s)

X3
X2

Overall cell 3Zn(s) + 2Cr3+(aq) + 3Zn2+ (aq) +2Cr(s)

reaction:

The difference in electrical potential between the anode

and cathode is called:
cell voltage
electromotive force (emf)
cell potential

measured by a voltmeter

Acts as electrical pressure that

pushes electron through the wire.

A measure of the ability of a half-cell to attract electrons

towards it.

Cu2+(aq) + 2e Cu(s)

E ored = +0.34 V

Zn2+(aq) + 2e Zn(s)

E ored = -0.76 V
Standard reduction
potential

The more positive the half-cells electrode potential, the

stronger the attraction for electrons.
Tendency for reduction
(cathode)

Standard reduction potential of copper half-cell is

more positive compared to zinc.
Zinc half-cell becomes anode.

Cu2+(aq) + 2e Cu(s)

E ored = +0.34 V

Zn2+(aq) + 2e Zn(s)

E ored = -0.76 V

Cell Potential (Eocell)= Eocatode Eoanode

= +0.34 (-0.76)
= +1.1 V

Zn2+ (aq) + 2e- Zn (s)

E0 = -0.76V

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

E0 = +0.34V

E0cell = E0cathode - E0anode

or

= +0.34 (-0.76)
= +1.10 V

E0cell = E0red + E0ox

Half-cell equation at:

Change the sign

= +0.34 + (+0.76)
= +1.10 V

Anode :

Zn (s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-

Cathode :

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

Standard Electrode Potentials (Eo)

A measure of the ability of half-cell
to attract electrons towards it
at 25oC, the pressure is 1 atm (for
gases), and the concentration of
electrolyte is 1M.

The sign of E0 changes when the

reaction is reversed
Changing the stoichiometric
coefficients of a half-cell reaction
does not change the value of E0

For example:
Cl2(g) + 2e- 2Cl-(aq)

E0 = +1.36 V

Cl2(g) + e- Cl-(aq)

E0 = +1.36 V

Cl-(aq) Cl2(g) + e-

E0 = -1.36 V

Standard Hydrogen Electrode (SHE)

Made up of a platinum electrode, immersed in an
aqueous solution of H+ (1 M) and bubbled with
hydrogen gas at 1 atm pressure, and temperature at
25oC

H2 gas
at 1 atm

H+ (aq)
1 M

Pt
electrode

The standard reduction of SHE is 0 V

Standard reduction potential of Zinc half cell is

measured by setting up the electrochemical
cell as below.
E0 = +0.76
Zn

e
e
e
2+e
Zn

ZnSO4(aq)
1M

E0 = 0

+
H2 (g), 25oC,1

H+(aq),1 M
Pt

atm.

Standard Electrode Potentials

Zn (s) | Zn2+ (1 M) || H+ (1 M) | H2 (1 atm) | Pt (s)
Anode (oxidation):
Cathode (reduction):

Zn (s)

Zn2+ (1 M) + 2e-

2e- + 2H+ (aq,1 M)

Cell reaction Zn (s) + 2H+ (aq,1 M)

H2 (g,1 atm)
Zn2+(aq) + H2 (g,1 atm)

0
Ecell
= EH0+/H 2- EZn0 2+/Zn

0 2+
0.76 V = 0 - EZn
/Zn
0 2+ = -0.76 V
EZn
/Zn

Zn2+ + 2e- Zn

E0 = -0.76 V

Standard reduction potential of Copper half cell is

measured by setting up the electrochemical
cell as below.
+
+

V-

E0 = 0
-

H2 (g) 25oC
1 atm.

Cu
Cu

CuSO4(aq)
1M

Pt

H+
(aq)1
M

Pt (s) | H2 (1 atm) | H+ (1 M) || Cu2+ (1 M) | Cu (s)

Anode (oxidation):

H2 (1 atm)

Cathode (reduction): 2e- + Cu2+ (1 M)

H2 + Cu2+

2+
/Cu

EH 0/H+

0 2+
0.34 = ECu
/Cu - 0
0 2+
ECu
/Cu = 0.34 V

Cu (s)
Cu (s) + 2H+

0
0
0
Ecell
= Ecathode
- Eanode
0 = E0
Ecell
Cu

2H+ + 2e-

The direction of half-reaction of SHE depends on the

other
half-cell connected on it.
The cell notation for SHE is either:

H+(aq) | H2(g) | Pt(s) when it is cathode

Pt(s) | H2(g) | H+ (aq) when it is anode

In either case, E0 of SHE remains 0

Zn2+ (aq) + 2e- Zn (s)

E0 = -0.76V

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

E0 = +0.34V

E0cell = E0cathode - E0anode

or

= +0.34 (-0.76)
= +1.10 V

E0cell = E0red + E0ox

Change the sign

= +0.34 + (+0.76)
= +1.10 V

Half-cell equation at:

Anode :

Zn (s) Zn2+ (aq) + 2e-

Cathode :

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

At standard-state condition

E0cell = E0cathode - E0anode

or
E0cell = E0red + E0ox

Exercise
Calculate the standard cell potential of the following
electrochemical cell.
Co(s) | Co2+(aq) || Ag+(aq) | Ag(s)
Ag+(aq) + e- Ag(aq)

Answer

Co2+(aq) + 2e- Co(s)

+
Cathode (Red) : Ag (aq) + e Ag(aq)

Anode (Ox) : Co(s) Co2+(aq) + 2e-

E0cell = E0cathode - E0anode

= +0.80 (-0.28)
= +1.08 V

E0 = +0.80V
E0 = -0.28V
E0 = +0.80V
E0ox = +0.28V

Refer to the list of Standard Reduction Potential:

Oxidation agent left of the half cell equation
Reduction agent right of the half cell equation
Example :
Ni2+ (aq) + 2e- Ni (s)
E0 = -0.25 V
Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s) E0 = +0.34 V
Ag+ (aq) + e- Ag (s)
E0 = +0.80 V
Reducing
Oxidation
agent
agent

Increase
strength as
reducing
agent

The more -ve the value of E0 the stronger

the reducing agent
The more +ve the value of E0 the stronger
the oxidizing agent

Exercise
Arrange the 3 elements in order of increasing
strength of reducing agents
X3+ + 3e- X

E0 = -1.66 V

Y2+ + 2e- Y

E0 = -2.87 V

L2+ + 2e- L

E0 = +0.85 V

Answer :

L < X < Y

Example
Calculate the E0 cell for the reaction ::
Mg(p) | Mg2+(ak) || Sn4+(ak),Sn2+(ak) | Pt(p)
Given :
Mg2+(ak) + 2e
Sn4+(ak)

Mg(p)

E = -2.38 V

+ 2e Sn2+(ak) E= +0.15 V

Oxidation

: Mg(p)

Mg2+(ak)

Reduction

: Sn4+(ak)

+ 2e

+ 2e
Sn2+(ak)

Mg(p) + Sn4+(ak) Mg2+(ak) + Sn2+(ak)

Ecell = E o red

= +2.38 + 0.15
= +2.53 V

E o ox

E0cell = Ecathode - Eanode

=+0.15- (-2.38)
=+2.53V
Eoox = +2.38 V
Eo = +0.15 V
Ecell = +2.53 V

Exercise
A cell is set up between a chlorine electrode and a
hydrogen electrode
Pt | H2(g, 1 atm) | H+(aq, 1M) || Cl2(g, 1atm) | Cl-(aq, 1M) | Pt

E0cell = +1.36 V
(a) Draw a diagram to show the apparatus and chemicals
used.
(b) Discuss the chemical reactions occurring in the
electrochemical cell.

Answer
E0cell =1.36V
H2 (g),
1 atm.

+
+

Pt

Cl2 (g),
1 atm.

Pt
H+(aq), 1M

Cl-(aq), 1M

1. Show the process occur at anode and

cathode
- Half-cell reaction
2. Overall reaction

Answer

Reduction (cathode)
Cl2 (g) + 2e- 2Cl- (aq)
Oxidation(anode)
H2 (g) 2H+ (aq) + 2e-

E0 = 0

Eocell =+1.36 V
Eocell = Eocathode - E0anode
+1.36 = Eocathode 0
E0cathode = +1.36 V
So the standard reduction potential for
Cl2 is:
Eo = +1.36 V

Spontaneous & Non-Spontaneous reactions

- Redox reaction is spontaneous when
Ecell is +ve.
- Non spontaneous is when Ecell is ve.

E cell = 0

The reaction is at equilibrium

Predict whether the following reactions occur

spontaneously or non-spontaneously under
standard condition.
EoSn4+/Sn2+=+0.15V

Zn + Sn4+
Sn2+ + Zn2+
Eo Zn/Zn2+ = - 0.76V.
The two half-cells involved are:Anod : Zn
Zn2+ + 2e
Eoox = +0.76 V
Cathode: Sn4+ + 2e
Sn2+ Eo = +0.15 V

Zn + Sn4+
Eocell = Eo

Sn /Sn
4+

Zn2+ + Sn2+

2+

Eo Zn/Zn2+

= +0.15 (-0.76 )
= +0.91 V
spontaneous

Or

Eocell= Eored + Eoox

= (+0.15) + (0.76)
= +0.91 V

Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) Pb(s) +

Cl2(g)

Reduction

Pb2+Pb
(aq)
+
2Cl
(aq)

Pb(s)
+
Cl
(g)
2+
2
(aq) + 2Cl (aq) Pb(s) + Cl (g)
2

Oxidation
cathode: Pb2+(aq) + 2e Pb(s)
anode: 2Cl-(aq) Cl2(g) + 2e

Eo = -0.13 V
Eoox = -1.36

Pb2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq) Pb(s) + Cl2(g)

Eocell= Eored + Eoox
= (-1.36) + (-0.13)
= -1.48 V
Non-spontaneous
No Reaction

Example :
Predict whether the following reactions occur
spontaneously :
2Ag(s) + Br2(aq)

2Ag+(aq)

+ 2Br-(aq)

0 +
EAg
/Ag = +0.8 V

EBr0 2/Br -= +1.07 V

Answer :
2Ag(s)
Br2(aq)

2Ag+(aq)
+ 2e

2Ag(s) + Br2(aq)

+
2Br

standard reduction
potential

2e
(aq)

2Ag+(aq) + 2Br-(aq)

The reaction is spontaneous

E ox = - 0.80 V
E = +1.07 V
Esel = + 0.27 V

Exercise
A cell consists of silver and tin in a solution of 1 M
silver ions and tin (II) ions. Determine the spontaneity
of the reaction and calculate the cell voltage of this
reaction.

Ag+ (aq) + e- Ag (s)

Sn2+ (aq) + 2e- Sn (s)

E0 = +0.80 V
E0 = -0.14 V

E0cell = E0cathode - E0anode

E0cell

(cathode)
(anode)

= +0.80 (-0.14)
= +0.94 V
= +ve ( reaction is spontaneous)

Nernst equation
Nernst equation can be used to calculate the E
for any chosen concentration :
Ecell = Eocell

RT
nF

ln

[ product ] x
[ reactant] y

At 298 K and R = 8.314 J K-1 mol-1 , 1 F = 96500 C

Ecell = Eocell

0.0257
n

2.303 log

[ product ] x
[ reactant] y

cell

Ecell = Eocell 0.0592

[ product ] x
log
[ reactant] y

n
[ product ]x
[ reactant]

Ecell = Eocell

0.0592

log Q

n
n = no of e- that are involved
Q = reaction quotient

Example
1

Calculate the Ecell for the following cell

Zn(s) / Zn2+ (aq, 0.02M) // Cu2+(aq, 0.40 M) / Cu(s)

Answer
Zn(s)

+ Cu2+(aq)

Eocell = Eored + Eoox

Zn2+(aq)

+ Cu(s)

Eocell = Eocathode Eoanode

= +0.34 V + 0.76 V

= +0.34 V - (- 0.76 V)

= +1.10 V

= +1.10 V

E = Eo 0.0592

log [ Zn2+]

[ Cu2+]

E = +1.10 V 0.0592 log (0.02 )

2

= +1.10 V (-0.0385)
= +1.139 V

( 0.40)

At equilibrium:
~ No net reaction occur (Q=K)
~ Ecell = 0
Ecell = Eocell 0.0592

log K

n
0

= Eocell 0.0592
n

Ecell

0.0592
n

log K

log K

Example
2

Calculate the equilibrium constant (K) for the

following reaction.
Cu(s) +

2Ag+(ak)

Cu2+(ak)

Answer
At equilibrium, E cell = 0
Eocell = Eo cathode -

Eo anode

= +0.80 ( +0.34)
= +0.46 V

2Ag(s)

Ecell = Eocell 0.0592

log K

2
0

= 0.46 0.0592

log K

2
0.0592 log K = 0.46
2
log K = 15.54
K = 3.467

x 1015

Electrolysis
Electrolysis is a chemical process that uses electricity
for a non-spontaneous redox reaction to occur.
Such reactions take place in electrolytic cells.

Electrolytic Cell
It is made up of 2 electrodes immersed in an
electrolyte.
A direct current is passed through the electrolyte
from an external source.
Molten salt and aqueous ionic solution are commonly
used as electrolytes.

Electrolytic Cell
+

Oxidation

Reduction
Electrolyte
(M+X-)
X-,OH-

Anion

M+,H+

Cation

A
n
o
d
e

Positive electrode
The electrode which is connected to the
positive terminal of the battery
Oxidation takes place
Electrons flow from anode to cathode

C
a
t
h
o
d
e

Negative electrode
The electrode which is connected to the
negative terminal of the battery
Reduction takes place

Electrode
as circuit connectors
as sites for the precipitation of insoluble
products
example: Platinum , Graphite (inert electrode)
Electrolyte
a liquid that conducts electricity due to
the presence of +ve and ve ions
must be in molten state or in aqueous
solution so that the ions can move freely
example: KCl(l), HCl(aq), CH3COOH(aq)

mparison between an electrochemical

and an electrolytic cell
Electrolytic Cell
+
e-

Anode

Electrochemical Ce

e-

Cathode

e-

Anode

e-

Cathode

Electrolytic Cell
Cathode = negative
Anode = positive

Electrochemical Ce
Cathode = positive
Anode = negative

Non-spontaneous redox
Spontaneous redox
reaction requires energy reaction releases energy
to drive it
Similarities:
Oxidation occurs at anode, reduction occurs
at cathode
Anions move towards anode, cations move
towards cathode.
Electrons flow from anode to cathode in an
external circuit.

Electrolysis of molten salt

Electrolysis of molten salt requires high temp.
Electrolysis of molten NaCl
Cation : Na+
Anode :

Anion : Cl-

Cl- (l) Cl2(g) + 2e-

Cathode : Na+ (l) + e- Na (s)

2Na+ (l) + 2e- 2Na (s)
Overall :

2Na+ (l) + 2Cl-(l) Cl2(g) + 2Na(s)

 Electrolysis of molten NaCl gives sodium metal

deposited at cathode and chlorine gas evolved at
anode.
Electrolysis of molten NaCl is industrially important.
The industrial cell is called Downs Cell

Electrolysis of Aqueous Salt

Electrolysis of aqueous salt is more complex
because the presence of water.
Aqueous salt solutions contains anion, cation and water.
Water is an electro-active substance that may be
oxidised or reduced in the process depending on
the condition of electrolysis.
Reduction :
2H2O (l) + 2e-

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq)

E0 = -0.83 V

Oxidation :
2H2O (l)

4H+ (aq) + O2 (g) + 4e-

E0 = -1.23 V

Predicting the products of electrolysis

Factors influencing the products :

1. Reduction/oxidation potential of the
species in electrolyte
2. Concentrations of ions
3. Types of electrodes used active or
inert

Electrolysis of Aqueous NaCl

NaCl aqueous solution contains Na+ cation, Cl- anion
and water molecules
On electrolysis,
the cathode attracts Na+ ion and H2O molecules
the anode attracts Cl- ion and H2O molecules
The electrolysis of aqueous NaCl depends on the
concentration of electrolyte.

Electrolysis of diluted NaCl solution

Cathode
Na+ (aq) + e-

Na (s)

E0 = -2.71 V

2H2O (l) + 2e-

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq)

E0 = -0.83 V

E0 for water molecules is more positive.

H2O easier to reduce.

Anode
Cl2 (g) + 2eO2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e-

2Cl- (aq)
2H2O (l)

E0 = +1.36 V
E0 = +1.23 V

In dilute solution, water will be selected for

oxidation because of its lower Eo.

Reactions involved
2H
O
(l)
+
2e
2
Cathode:

4H2O (l) + 4e-

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq) E0 = -0.83 V

2H2 (g) + 4OH- (aq)
E0 = -1.23 V

Anode: 2H2O (l)

O2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e-

Cell
6H2O(l)
reaction:

O2(g) + 2H2(g) + 4OH-(aq) + 4H+(aq)

2H2O(l)

4 H2O
O2(g) + 2H2(g)

E0cell = -2.06 V

ectrolysis of Concentrated NaCl solutio

Cathode
Na+ (aq) + e-

Na (s)

E0 = -2.71 V

2H2O (l) + 2e-

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq)

E0 = -0.83 V

E0 for water molecules is more positive

H2O easier to be reduce

Anode
Cl2 (g) + 2eO2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e-

2Cl- (aq)
2H2O (l)

E0 = +1.36 V
E0 = +1.23 V

In concentrated solution, chloride ions will be

oxidised because of its high concentration.

Reactions involved
Cathode: 2H2O (l) + 2eAnode:

2Cl- (aq)

Cell
2H2O(l) + 2Clreaction:

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq) E0 = -0.83 V

Cl2 (g) + 2e-

E0 = -1.36 V

Cl2(g) + H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)

E0cell = -2.19 V

Exercise
Predict the electrolysis reaction when
Na2SO4 solution is electrolysed using platinum electrodes.

Solution
Na2SO4 aqueous solution contains Na+ ion, SO42- ion
and water molecules
On electrolysis,
the cathode attracts Na+ ion and H2O molecules
the anode attracts SO42- ion and H2O molecules

Cathode
Na+ (aq) + e-

Na (s)

E0 = -2.71 V

2H2O (l) + 2e-

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq)

E0 = -0.83 V

E0 for water molecules is more positive

H2O easier to reduce

Anode
S2O82- (aq) + 2eO2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4e-

2SO42- (aq)
2H2O (l)

E0 = +2.01 V
E0 = +1.23 V

E0 for water molecules is less positive

H2O easier to oxidise

Equation
Cathode: 2H2O (l) + 2eAnode:

2H2O (l)

Cell
2H2O(l)
Reaction:

H2 (g) + 2OH- (aq) E0 = -0.83 V

O2 (g) + 4H+ (aq) + 4eO2(g) + 2H2(g)

E0 = -1.23 V

E0cell = -2.06 V

Cathode = H2 gas is produced and solution become

basic at cathode because OH- ions are formed

Anode = O2 gas is produced and solution become

acidic at anode because H+ ions are formed

Faradays Law of
Electrolysis

Describes the relationship between the amount of

electricity passed through an electrolytic cell and
the amount of substances produced at electrode.

Faradays First Law

tates that the quantity of substance formed at an

lectrode is directly proportional to the quantity o
electric charge supplied.

Faradays 1st Law

mQ
Q = electric charge in coulombs (C)
m = mass of substance discharged

Q = It
Q = electric charge in coulombs (C)
I = current in amperes (A)
t = time in second (s)

Faraday constant (F)

is the charge on 1 mole of electron

1 F = 96 500
C

Exampl
An aqueous solution of CuSO
e is electrolysed using a
4

current of 0.150 A for 5 hours. Calculate the mass

of copper deposited at the cathode.

Answer
Electric charge, Q = Current (I) x time (t)
Q = (0.150 A) x ( 5 x 60 x 60 )s
Q = 2700 C
1 mole of electron 1 F 96 500 C
No. of e passed through =
-

2700
96 500

= 0.028 mol

Cu2+ (aq) + 2e- Cu (s)

From equation:

2 mol electrons 1 mol Cu

0.028 mol electrons 0.014 mol Cu

Mr for Cu = 63.5
Mass of Copper deposited = 0.014 x 63.5
= 0.889 g