electrochemistry -- electrolytic cells

This post should finish the topic of electrochemistry by discussing Electrolytic Cells.  

Objectives:

1.  Explain the parts and chemical reactions in an electrolytic cell.

2.  Distinguish between electrolytic and electrochemical cells, and list some applications of each.

3.  Describe how commercial cells produce an electric current; explain the process of corrosion.

An electrolytic cell is a non-spontaneous reaction (- Eo total) that is connected to a battery to provide the energy for the reaction. 

Remember that if the reaction is reversed then the Eo value has the opposite sign (for example, instead of + it would be - ).

Here is a video providing an overview of electrolytic cells:

Fortunately, the acroynm "LEO GER" still applies.  The only change is the electric charges on the anode and cathode.

Here is another video briefly describing an electrolytic cell:

Notice that it contrasts electrolytic and electrochemical cells.  Personally, I remember the charges on the electrolytic cell more easily than the electrochemical cell because I remember that opposites attract (the cathode is negative to attract the positive cation, and the anode is positive to attract the negative anion).

This link is to several pages of notes, and the last page contains a worksheet:

http://mrrumbolt.weebly.com/uploads/4/9/5/2/4952485/electro6_electrolytic_cellsyd_no_solns.pdf

This page has questions AND answers, but it's a useful overview:

http://www.mro-chemweb.com/honchem/docs/hoans/electrowksht1.pdf

Here's a simple worksheet focusing on electrolysis:

http://sunwestscience.wikispaces.com/file/view/Chemistry+30+-+7.8+-+Electrolysis+-+Worksheet.pdf

This is a link to a summary/overview but then has various worksheets about redox, ending with worksheets on electrolysis:

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=99&ved=0CGYQFjAIOFo&url=http%3A%2F%2Fteacherweb.com%2FCT%2FNewMilfordHighSchool%2FMissLandgrebe%2FAP-C20-Electrochemistry-handout.doc&ei=vbZ3U5PUBYyYqAaC9YCYCA&usg=AFQjCNEgNVw9fDIdDatk3M4YDvlkQ01buA


I've never made a lemon battery, but it's an interesting idea (btw it doesn't have to be performed in a lemon...)

Perhaps set up the same electrodes but simply in an acetic acid medium?
Here is another electrolytic demonstration idea:
https://www.flinnsci.com/media/621556/91646.pdf

Here is a page describing how a battery works:
http://www.edinformatics.com/math_science/how_does_a_battery_work.htm

Here is an interesting video demonstrating how electrolysis can be used to counteract the effects of rusting on tools:

Here is another video about the rusting of iron:

And here is a segment showing how rust can be removed from a tool --the post is about woodworking, but it's a very interesting demonstration:

Let me know if you have tried any of these ideas!

Looking at my schedule, I will post Wednesdays and Sundays through the end of May (mainly about organic chemistry), and as of June, I will post on Sundays.  My posts will be in the evenings from now on.

I am selling my lab book "Chemistry on a Budget" at amazon.com for only $20!  Check it out:
http://www.amazon.com/Chemistry-Budget-Marjorie-R-Heesemann/dp/0578129159/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1389410170&sr=1-1&keywords=chemistry+on+a+budget

Each lab is presented with two possible report formats -- both labs use the same procedure but each has a different conclusion -- one with 10 questions to be answered as a conclusion, the other with a full laboratory report required.  This gives the teacher the option of what type of report is desired, and each version is designed to be just two pages.  This way the teacher can photocopy just one 2-sided page per student (saves paper).  

*I'd love to hear from you!  Your feedback would really help me to focus on your needs!  There should be a "Contact" form below, or click on the "Contact" tab on the top right of this page.  

Have a good week!