Electrochemistry grade 12 notes

Key concepts include:

• Oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions: Reactions where electrons are transferred between species. Oxidation is the loss of electrons, and reduction is the gain of electrons.
• Electrochemical cells: Devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy (galvanic/voltaic cells) or use electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous chemical reactions (electrolytic cells).
• Electrodes: Conductors where oxidation and reduction occur. The anode is where oxidation happens, and the cathode is where reduction happens.
• Electrolytes: Solutions or molten salts that contain ions and can conduct electricity.
• Standard electrode potentials: The potential difference of a half-cell under standard conditions (1 M concentration, 1 atm pressure, 25°C). These are used to calculate the overall cell potential.
• Faraday's laws of electrolysis: Quantify the relationship between the amount of substance produced or consumed at an electrode and the quantity of electricity passed.