Electrochemistry and Electron Transfer

Overview

• Chapters:
  • Chapter 13: New information on electron transfer.
  • Chapter 14: Applications involving voltaic and electrolytic cells.
• Key Concept: Oxidation and reduction reactions as part of electrochemistry.

Reaction Types

• Single Replacement Reaction:
  • Example of electron transfer reaction.
  • Not previously discussed in Science 10 as electron transfer.

Tracking Electrons

• Zinc (Zn):
  • Neutral state, 30 electrons.
• Hydrochloric Acid (HCl):
  • Treated as ionic (H+ and Cl-).
• Reaction Products:
  • Zinc ion (Zn2+), Chloride ion (Cl-), Hydrogen molecule (H2).
  • Electrons transferred: Zn loses electrons; H+ gains electrons.

Oxidation and Reduction

• Oxidation: Loss of electrons (e.g., Zinc).
• Reduction: Gain of electrons (e.g., Hydrogen).
• Redox Reaction: Combination of reduction and oxidation reactions.
• Spectator Ions: Do not participate in electron transfer (e.g., Cl-).

Mnemonics and Definitions

• Mnemonics:
  • LEO (Losing Electrons is Oxidation)
  • GER (Gaining Electrons is Reduction)
• Terms:
  • Reduction = Gain of electrons.
  • Oxidation = Loss of electrons.

Half Reactions

• Concept: Studying half reactions helps in understanding redox processes.
• Writing Half Reactions:
  • Separation of oxidation and reduction processes.
  • Example with Zn and H2.

Practical Example

• Reaction: Copper with Silver Nitrate.
• Half Reactions:
  • Oxidation: Copper loses electrons.
  • Reduction: Silver gains electrons.
• Net Reaction: Combines half reactions, excludes spectator ions.

Data Tools

• Data Table:
  • Charge lookup for elements and compounds.
  • Essential for determining reaction products.
• Reduction Table (Page 7):
  • Lists reduction half reactions.
  • Reactions can be reversed for oxidation processes.

Applications

• Batteries:
  • Electron flow in redox reactions can power devices.
  • Separation of chemicals directs electron flow through wires.

Conclusion

• Understanding electron transfer is foundational for applications in electrochemistry.
• Next steps include practice and further exploration of redox reactions.