Lecture Notes: Voltaic Cell Simulation

Introduction

• Discussion on a voltaic cell simulator.
• Simulator uses flash player, which may not work on newer computers.
• If operational, users can interact with the simulator.

Voltaic Cell Setup

• Materials: Zinc (Zn) metal, Zinc Nitrate solution, Copper (Cu) metal, Copper Nitrate solution.
• Concentration: Both solutions at 1 Molar.
• Temperature: Standard condition at 298 Kelvin.
• Objective: Determine the cell potential using a voltmeter.

Chemical Reaction

• Combine two half-reactions to form a voltaic cell.
• Half-Reactions:
  1. Zinc is flipped to donate electrons.
  2. Copper remains to absorb electrons.
• Expected Voltage: 1.1 volts (Zn flipped, Copper remains at 0.34 volts).

Effects of Changing Conditions

Changing Concentrations

• Example:
  • Zinc concentration: 0.01 M
  • Copper concentration: 2 M
• Resulting Voltage: 1.20 volts (calculated using Nernst equation).

Changing Metals

• Example with Copper and Silver:
  • Copper concentration: 0.1 M
  • Silver concentration: 1 M
• Resulting Voltage: 0.46 volts (Copper is flipped, Silver remains).

Same Metal, Different Concentrations

Example: Silver-Silver

• Silver on both sides with 1 M concentration.
• Resulting Voltage: 0 volts (no potential difference as concentrations and metals are identical).

Concentration Difference

• Right side Silver: 2 M
• Left side Silver: 0.001 M
• Resulting Voltage: 0.2 volts
  • Voltage arises due to the concentration gradient.

Key Concepts

• Concentration Gradient: Potential energy difference due to varying concentrations.
• Energy Conversion: Concentration gradients can be converted into voltage or energy.
• Real-World Application:
  • Relates to neuron function and action potential.
  • Energy gradient between sodium and potassium inside and outside cells.

Conclusion

• Understanding how changes in concentration and metal types affect cell potential.
• Experiment with different configurations to observe changes in cell voltage.