Reason For Learning
Galvanic cells are exothermic reactions. Sometimes a redox reaction offers the possibility of useful products but, it is an endothermic reaction and will therefore not occur. In this situation, the reaction can be "forced" to occur through the use of an external power supply. This process is called electrolysis. It is important that we get to learn about the construction of simple electrolytic cells such as the ones used for electroplating purification of copper and the extraction of Aluminium.
Learning Intention
After completing this learning bite you should be able to:
describe the main features and chemical reactions of atypical electroplating cell.
use the electrochemical series to predict reactions in electrolytic cells, and understand the limitations of these predictions.
Apply faradays laws to calculate electric current, electric charge, amounts of substance or time involved in the production of chemicals via electrolysis.
describe the use of electrolysis in the production of chemicals such as aluminium, chlorine, sodium, copper, sodium hydroxide.
Key Vocabulary Terms