Do you remember what electrochemistry is? This subject is a branch of chemistry you have already studied. And it is within the themes of the notebook of Nature Sciences and its Technologies. As you read this article, you will realize that our daily lives are constantly involved with the reactions that occur in electrochemistry. For this reason, it charges questions related to this matter. Let’s clarify what electrochemistry is and what topics you should study for this exam. Check out for the graphite anode now.
What is electrochemistry?
Electrochemistry is an area that studies the reactions that turn chemical energy into electrical energy, as is the case with batteries. In the reverse process, electrolysis occurs which will be explained below.
It is through electrochemistry that we can leave home with portable electronic equipment. These devices cause controversy because they cause environmental impacts in both the production process and disposal.
Electrochemistry content that may fall
Now that you have refreshed your memory about electrochemistry, here are the main topics about this branch of chemistry:
Batteries
Batteries are devices that turn chemical energy into electrical energy. They are composed of two electrodes (positive and negative pole) and an electrolyte. These are acidic solutions that allow electron exchange.
When these materials are placed in a container, which is the battery, a spontaneous reaction occurs causing the electrons to circulate. This generates the electric current to operate the equipment.
Batteries work the same as batteries. However, the difference is that there are several batteries connected in series or parallel. Its advantage is that while a battery has 1.5 V, a battery can have 12 V, for example.
The best-known batteries on the market are:
- Powered by Rock Convert
- dry or common batteries
- alkaline batteries
- lithium and manganese dioxide batteries
Oxidation and reduction
When we mention oxidation we soon remember rust. In this process, iron, which loses electrons (oxidation), is the reducing agent. Oxygen, which receives electrons (reduction), is the oxidant. Therefore, to produce batteries manufacturers need to trigger these two phenomena which are also known as oxeduction, oxeduction or redox.
Study the table of reduction potentials well. Through it, it is possible to determine whether or not an element is at risk of oxidation. From this research, it is possible to anticipate to develop processes that protect this material.
Electrolysis
In electrolysis, the opposite happens with batteries. In it, chemical energy is produced through electrical energy and the process is not spontaneous. However, reduction also occurs. Electrolysis can be caused by two processes. See what they are:
- igneous electrolysis: the environment contains no water, the process substance is fused
- aqueous or aqueous electrolysis: uses water
The industry uses electrolysis to protect metals by galvanizing, as well as producing hydrogen, caustic soda, metallic sodium, aluminum, gas, chlorine, etc.
Bauxite is the main component of igneous electrolysis of aluminum oxide. It is an ore that causes environmental impacts on its extraction. Therefore, be aware that this issue may raise issues involving environmental issues.
Anode and cathode
As already mentioned, the battery electrode contains two poles. The positive is called cathode and the reduction occurs (electron gain). The negative is known as anode occurs the process of oxidation (loss of electrons).
In the normal functioning of a battery, ie when it is discharging, the electrons leave the anode and enter the cathode. Keep all this sequence well and never confuse the poles.