Module: Production of Materials

Focus Point Four

Oxidation-reduction reactions are increasingly important as a
source of energy. H7
An oxidation/reduction reaction involves electron transfer from one particle (atom,
molecule or ion) to another particle (atom, molecule or ion). eg. from iron atom to
copper (II) ion in Fe + Cu2+

Fe 2+ + Cu

Oxidation is loss of electrons.

Mnemonic: OIL = Oxidation Is Loss

Reduction is gain of electrons.

Mnemonic: RIG = Reduction Is Gain

Thus the oxidation reaction is: Fe

Fe

2+

+ 2e-

And the reduction reaction is: Cu2+ + 2e-

Cu

Sorting oxidation and reduction half equations

Identify which of the following reactions are oxidation and which ones are
reduction.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Mg2+ + 2eMg
2+
Zn + 2e
Zn
Cu
Cu2+ + 2eMg
Mg2+ + 2ePb2+ + 2ePb

Write a full formula equation to show the reaction of magnesium metal with
oxygen as to form ionic magnesium oxide MgO.

Write an equation for this reaction using electron dot diagrams.

Draw an electron dot half equation for the reaction of magnesium.

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Module: Production of Materials

Draw an electron dot equation for the reaction of oxygen.

Which species ( ) is oxidized ?

Which species is reduced? .
explain the displacement of metals from solution in terms of transfer of
electrons
H8
Text p. 60 -63

Oxidation/reduction reactions always happen as a pair. An oxidation

reaction cannot happen if there isnt a species available to be reduced. A
particle must be available to accept the electrons that are lost by the
species being oxidized and vice versa.

The species being oxidized is known as the reductant since it causes

reduction to occur by being oxidized itself. It is also known as a reducing
agent, since it causes reduction to occur.

The species being reduced is the oxidant since it causes oxidation to

occur by being reduced itself. It is also known as an oxidising agent, since
it causes oxidation to occur.

Oxidation/reduction reactions involve the transfer of electrons and are

often called electron transfer reactions.

If the oxidation/reduction reactions occur in the same test tube then the
electrons are simply transferred.

This can be shown by placing a piece of magnesium into copper sulfate solution.

What evidence is there that a reaction occurs?

Write the equation for the reaction.

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Module: Production of Materials

What type of reaction is this?

Write the half equations for the reaction.

Compare the activity of the two metals involved in this reaction.

What relationship exists between the activity of metals and oxidation or reduction
of metals?

identify the relationship between displacement of metal ions in solution

by other metals to the relative activity of metals
H8

If the reactions occur in two different test tubes, connected by an

electrical conductor, then the electrons can flow from one test tube to
another.

Moving electrons produce an electric current.

Chemistry HSC 2003

In order to determine the relative strengths of several metals as reducing agents, a group of
students performed the following experiment. Pieces of each of the four metals, Cu, Pb, Ag, Zn

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Module: Production of Materials

were placed in aqueous solutions of nitrates of each of the other metals on the list. Results after a
period of time are recorded below. A + means the metal in the left-hand column of that row
reacted with the metal ion in the top row of that column; a x means that there was no reaction. A
dash means that no test was performed.
Cu
Pb
Ag
Zn

Cu2+
+
X
+

Pb2+
X
X
+

Ag+
+
+
+

Zn2+
X
X
X
-

i. Use the results in the Table to arrange the metals in order of decreasing strength as reducing
agents; ie. strongest reductant first, weakest last.

1 mark

...........................................................................................................................................................
ii. Explain how you used the results in the Table to deduce the order you wrote above.

2 marks

...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
iii. Write equations for the reactions between Cu and Ag + and Zn and Cu2+.

2 marks

...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................

account for changes in the oxidation state of species in terms of their

loss or gain of electrons
H6
Text p 55 60

For the reaction between Fe(s) and Cu2+ write the half equations and identify the
oxidation and the reduction reactions.

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Module: Production of Materials

Oxidation states or numbers are positive (or negative) numbers used to increase
our understanding of redox reactions.
A metal atom, such as Fe, has a valency of 0 and therefore has an oxidation
number of 0. Is Fe oxidized or reduced when it becomes Fe 2+? ..
In the above reaction the oxidation number of Fe changes from 0 to 2 it
increases.
Cu2+ has a valency of 2+ and therefore has an oxidation number of 2. Is Cu 2+
oxidized or reduced when it becomes Cu? ..

Oxidation is an increase in oxidation number.

Reduction is a decrease in oxidation number.

In a compound the sum of the oxidation numbers of the species within the
compound is always equal to zero.

In a polyatomic ion (radical) the sum of the oxidation numbers is equal to

the charge on the ion.

Homework: Complete Review Exercise 4.1, page 60.

Hand in for checking. Due 2 lessons from today.

Chemistry HSC - 2002

i. For each of the following compounds, state the oxidation state of the metal.
FeS, Cr2O3, FeCl3

2 marks

...........................................................................................................................................................

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Module: Production of Materials

ii. Does each of the following represent oxidation or reduction of the metal, or neither. Explain.
MnCl3

MnO2

NiO2

Ni(OH)2

...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
...........................................................................................................................................................
perform a first-hand investigation to identify the conditions under which
a galvanic cell is produced

12.1

a, b
Text p. 63 66

Galvanic Cells
Background Information:
In 1800 Volta invented an electrochemical (..
) cell where the transferred
electrons were channelled into an external circuit and could be put to use. Voltas
original cell was composed of silver and zinc discs separated by paper soaked in
vinegar. Each of these cells produce 0.76 volts. Volta could not explain the
working of his cell, since electrons and redox reactions were unknown at this
time.
Aim: To construct several galvanic cells and investigate their operation.
Method:
1.

Use a single beaker to set up 2 electrodes (X & Y) and an electrolyte

solution (Z) according to the table in step 2. Join the electrodes with a
connecting wire and insert a voltameter in the circuit.
Draw a diagram of the set up of this galvanic cell.

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Module: Production of Materials

2.

Perform the trials listed below and observe the cell for signs of chemical
reaction, eg. Gas bubbles, colour changes, voltage readings.

Trial
1

Electrode X
Zn

Electrode Y
Cu

Electrolyte Z
Distilled water

Notes/Results

Zn

Cu

1 mol L-1 NaCl

Zn

Cu

1 mol L-1 H2SO4

Observe voltage for 5 minutes

Zn

Cu

1 mol L-1 H2SO4

Touch bottoms of X and Y together

Cu

Cu

1 mol L-1 H2SO4

Zn

1 mol L-1 H2SO4

3. Electrodes must be rubbed with emery paper, rinsed with water and dried
before every trial.
4. Rinse the beaker with water and dry between trials 2, 3 and 4.
5. If the voltameter reads below zero, reverse the connections (polarity).
Risk Assessment:

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Module: Production of Materials

Wear safety glasses. 1 mol L-1 H2SO4 is corrosive. Avoid skin contact. Clean up
spills immediately.
Results Analysis:
1. Study the results for trials 1 3. Why didnt trial 1 function like trials 2 & 3?

What conclusions can be drawn from trials 1 3?

2.

Study the results for trials 3 & 4. Why didnt trial 4 function like trial 3?

Is a redox reaction occurring in trial 4? ...

What conclusion can be drawn from trials 3 & 4?

3. Study the results for trials 3 & 5. Why didnt trial 5 function like trial 3?

What conclusion can be drawn from trials 3 & 5?

4. Study the results for trials 3 & 4. Why didnt trial 6 function like trial 3?

What conclusion can be drawn from trials 3 & 6?

Reaction Equations:

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Module: Production of Materials

1. Most of the trials produced a voltage that represented a flow of electrons in

the external circuit. These electrons were produced by the oxidation
reaction. In each case, the zinc electrode was oxidising. Write a halfequation for the oxidation of zinc.

2. For every oxidation reaction there must be a corresponding reduction

reaction. Reduction occurred at the non-zinc electrode (ie. Cu or C), but Cu
and C cannot be reduced so the electrolyte must therefore be reduced. If
you noticed tiny bubbles of gas at the non-zinc electrode, this was hydrogen
gas. Write an equation showing the reduction of hydrogen ions to hydrogen
gas.

3. If the voltage in trial 3 gradually decreased, this was due to polarisation. It is

caused by the accumulation of hydrogen on the cathode (reduction
electrode). This hinders the reaction so the voltage drops.
4. Write the oxidation reaction which occurs in trial 3.

5. Write the reduction reaction which occurs in trial 3.

6. Write the net ionic equation for trial 3.

Conclusion:
A galvanic cell consists of dissimilar electrodes in a suitable electrolyte. A
current occurs because of a flow of electrons between the oxidation and
reduction reactions.
The Redox Table

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Module: Production of Materials

The redox table gives a list of standard reduction potentials (E). Standard
reduction potential is a measure of the relative tendency of a substance to gain
one or more electrons compared to the standard hydrogen half cell.
These are measured under standard conditions of 25C, 1 atmosphere
pressure and using a 1 mol L-1 electrolyte solution. The larger the E value, the
greater the oxidising power of a substance. The list of reduction half equations
in the redox table is called the electrochemical series.

The forward reactions as written are reductions. The higher the reduction potential,
the more easily that species is reduced.
K+(aq) + e-

K(s)

E = -2.92 V

F2(g) + e-

F-(aq)

E = +2.87 V

F2 is more easily reduced (2.87 V) than K+.

F2 has a greater tendency to accept electrons.

Oxidations can be shown by reversing the reactions and changing the sign.
K(s)
2F-(aq)

K+(aq) + eF2(g) + 2e-

E = +2.92 V
E = -2.87 V

K is more easily oxidised. It has a greater tendency to give up electrons than F -.

Oxidising agents (oxidants) are on the left of the table; their strength increases down
the table. Fluorine is the strongest oxidising agent.

Reducing agents (reductants) are found on the right side, their strength decreases
down the table. Potassium and barium are the strongest reducing agents;

A metal higher in the series will displace a metal lower down from a solution of its ions.

All metals above hydrogen in the series displace hydrogen from a solution of its ions.

In general, a reducing agent will react with an oxidising agent lower in the table .

perform a first-hand investigation and gather first-hand information to

measure the difference in potential of different combinations of metals in
an electrolyte solution
12.1d, 12.2a, b

describe and explain galvanic cells in terms of oxidation/reduction

reactions

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Module: Production of Materials

outline the construction of galvanic cells and trace the direction of

electron flow
H7
define the terms anode, cathode, electrode and electrolyte to describe
galvanic cells
H7
Text p 63 - 73

Galvanic Cells (II)

Background Information
In the previous experiment you investigated the essential conditions necessary
for a galvanic cell to operate, and discovered two important points:

Electrodes must be made of dissimilar conductors

Electrodes must be separated and immersed in an electrolyte.

Aim: to investigate the link between using different pairs of metal electrodes and
the resultant voltage they produce.
Procedure:
1. Fill 2 beakers with the appropriate salt solutions according to the table
below. (select one trial at a time)
2. Immerse the cleaned electrodes into the beakers and connect them using
connecting leads.
3. Include a voltameter in the circuit.
4. To complete the circuit a salt bridge must be used. A salt bridge consists of
a strip of filter paper soaked in saturated KNO3, and is placed beneath the
level of the electrolyte in each beaker. Ions migrate through the electrolyte
solution and the connecting salt bridge to maintain electrical neutrality.
Explain why potassium nitrate is used as a salt bridge in most examples.

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Module: Production of Materials

Trial
1

Beaker 1
Zn + 1 mol L-1 ZnSO4

Beaker 2
Cu + 1 mol L-1 CuSO4

Notes/Results

Zn + 1 mol L-1 ZnSO4

Cu + 1 mol L-1 CuSO4

Use Cu wire as a salt bridge

Zn + 1 mol L-1 ZnSO4

Mg + 1 mol L-1 MgSO4

Zn + 1 mol L-1 ZnSO4

Pb + 1 mol L-1 Pb(NO3)2

Cu + 1 mol L-1 CuSO4

Mg + 1 mol L-1 MgSO4

Cu + 1 mol L-1 CuSO4

Pb + 1 mol L-1 Pb(NO3)2

Mg + 1 mol L-1 MgSO4

Pb + 1 mol L-1 Pb(NO3)2

Pb(NO3)2 is toxic

Choosing the Correct Reactions:

Using Trial 1 as an example:
1. On the right hand side of the page, write down the species present:
Zn
Zn2+
Cu
Cu2+

2. Look at the redox table and find the relevant equations you may need
to write some equations backwards the important thing is not to
rearrange the species written in step 1. Remember if you reverse the
equation, you must change the sign of the E.
Zn2+ + 2e -

Zn
2+

Zn + 2e

Zn
Cu2+ + 2e -

Cu
Cu

2+

+ 2e

Cu

E = +0.76 V
E = -0.76 V
E = -0.34 V
E = +0.34 V

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Module: Production of Materials

3. Rearrange the equations so that both the oxidation reactions are together
and both the reduction reactions are together:
Zn

Zn2+ + 2e -

Cu

Cu2+ + 2e -

Zn2+ + 2eCu

2+

+ 2e

Zn
-

E = +0.76 V
E = -0.34 V
E = -0.76 V

Cu

E = +0.34 V

4. Select the highest E value for the oxidation pair:

Zn2+ + 2e -

Zn

E = +0.76 V

and the highest E value for the reduction pair:

Cu2+ + 2e-

Cu

E = +0.34 V

5. Adding the 2 half equations together gives the overall net ionic equation:
Zn + Cu2+

Cu + Zn2+

E = +1.10 V

Redox equations need to be balanced. The number of electrons on the

left hand side must equal the number of equations on the right hand
side. Use whole numbers to balance the number of electrons before
adding the equations. The E value is not changed.

Ag+ + 1e-
Zn2+ + 2e-

Ag(s)
Zn(s)

E = + 0.80V
E = -0.76 V

Balancing = 2Ag+ + 2e-

Adding equations: 2Ag+ + Zn(s)

2 Ag(s)

Reaction Equations:

83

E = + 0.80V
2Ag(s) + Zn2+

E = +1.56 V

Module: Production of Materials

For each of the trials, write three equations: the oxidation half-equation
including Eox; the reduction half-equation including Ered and the net ionic
equation with calculated E.

Oxidation reactions occur at the anode & reduction reactions at the cathode.
Identify the anode and cathode in each trial.

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Module: Production of Materials

Draw a diagram of trial 4 and label: anode; cathode; direction of electron flow;
flow of anions (negative ions) and cations (positive + ions) in the salt bridge.

Galvanic cells use chemical reactions to produce electricity.

Parts of a galvanic cell include:

Salt bridge: contains a conducting substance, and allows ions to migrate.

Electrolyte solutions: conduct electricity; composed of ions in solution.

The anode: the electrode, which liberates electrons. Oxidation.

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Module: Production of Materials

The cathode: the electrode, which absorbs electrons. Reduction.

An external conducting path through which electrons flow.

Cell diagrams are used to represent Galvanic cells.

These are a shorthand way to represent cells. The anode reaction (oxidation) is
listed first, followed by the cathode reaction (reduction).
e.g.

Cu Cu2+

Ag+

Ag

The single line shows a metal in contact with solution, the double line indicates a
salt bridge.
The more reactive metal is the one that is always oxidised

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Module: Production of Materials

solve problems and analyse information to calculate the potential E

requirement of named electrochemical processes using tables of
standard potentials and half-equations
14.1f, 14.2 a, c

Use a table of standard reduction potentials to answer the following on a

separate sheet of paper:
1. A galvanic cell consists of a Mg electrode in a 1.0 M Mg(NO 3)2 solution & a Ag electrode in
a 1.0 M AgNO3 solution. Calculate the E value for this cell.
2. Calculate the E and write the equations of a cell that uses the Mg/Mg2+ & Cu/Cu2+ halfcell.
3. Consider a galvanic cell consisting of a Mg electrode in Mg(NO 3)2 and a Cd electrode in
Cd(NO3)2. Calculate E for the cell & draw a diagram to show the anode, cathode and
direction of electron flow.

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Module: Production of Materials

4. Calculate the E of a cell that uses Ag/Ag+ & Al/Al3+ half-cell reactions. Write the cell
reaction.
5. Calculate the E for each of the following reactions:
a)

Cl2(g) + 2I-(aq)

2Cl-(aq) + I2(s)

b)

Hg(l) + 2Fe3+(aq)

c)

2Cu+(aq)

d)

Ca(s) + Mn2+(aq)

Ca2+(aq) + Mn(s)

e)

Al3+(aq) + Zn(s)

Al(s) + Zn2+(aq)

f)

3Co2+(aq)

Hg2+(aq) + 2Fe2+(aq)
Cu(s) + Cu2+(aq)

Co(s) + 2Co3+(aq)

HSC Chemistry
1. The following galvanic cell was constructed
Ni / Ni2+ // Ag+ / Ag
i. Write the anode half equation.

1 mark

ii. Write the cathode half equation.

1 mark

..
iii. Calculate the E potential of the above cell.

1 mark

..

2. You have used the information contained in the standard reduction potentials table to calculate
the E of different electrochemical processes.
Describe the standard conditions under which these values were obtained and explain why
they are necessary.

3 marks

..
..
..
..
..
..

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Module: Production of Materials

gather and present information on the structure and chemistry of a dry

cell or lead-acid cell and evaluate it in comparison to one of the following:
- button cell
- fuel cell
- vanadium redox cell
- lithium cell
- liquid junction photovoltaic device (eg. Gratzel cell)
in terms of:
- chemistry
- cost and practicality
- impact on society
- environmental impact
12.3a, 13.1a, c, e

Text p 73 82

A dry cell is an example of a primary cell. Primary cells are not rechargeable
(impact on environment) once the chemical energy has been changed to
electrical energy the battery is useless.
Dry cells are used in many everyday devices: torches, CD players, hand held
games, etc. (impact on society).
They are low in cost and safe and easy to use. (cost and practicality).
Structure of a dry cell

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Module: Production of Materials

Anode reaction:
Cathode reaction:
A lead acid battery is an example of a secondary cell. Secondary cells are
rechargeable (environmental and societal impact).
The chemical reaction that occurs within the battery is able to be reversed and
the batterys chemical energy is restored, provided the battery has not been
discharged for too long. Lead acid batteries are used in cars. They are relatively
inexpensive over the life of the battery (2 3 years). (cost). They are heavy and
not portable are used in motorised wheelchairs and provide freedom for
disabled but are heavy if they need to be moved, either with or without the chair.
They contain a liquid electrolyte (sulfuric acid) which is easily replaced but must
be kept upright as the electrolyte is dangerous to humans and the environment if
it spills. As the name implies they contain lead, which can be recycled but is very
dangerous if it is simply discarded into the environment. (environment and
societal impact).
Structure of a lead acid battery:

Anode reaction:
Cathode reaction:

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Module: Production of Materials

The life of the battery is limited if lead sulfate disintegrates from the electrode and
is unavailable for recharging. The lead anode is susceptible to corrosion.
Classify the electrochemical cells on the list as either primary or secondary cells:
Primary cells

Secondary cells

Complete the table below for the five cells listed in the syllabus:
Battery

Anode reaction

Cathode reaction

Electrolyte

Choose a cell from the syllabus list and complete the scaffold below to identify
the main features of this cell. Draw a basic diagram also.
Diagram: label anode, cathode, electrolyte

Name of cell
Type of cell (primary/secondary)

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Module: Production of Materials

Uses
Anode reaction
Cathode reaction
Electrolyte
Advantages of this cell

Disadvantages of this cell

Cost and practicality

Societal impact

Environmental impact

Compare the cell you have studied with either the lead acid or the dry cell by
completing the scaffold.
Chemistry

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Module: Production of Materials

Cost and
practicality

Impact on
society

Environmental
impact

Finally the syllabus requires you to make an evaluation of the cell you have
studied in comparison to either the lead acid or the dry cell.
The verb evaluate requires a judgement based on criteria the criteria will
obviously be chemistry, cost & practicality, impact on society and environmental
impact.
Compare the chemistry of the two cells

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Module: Production of Materials

Compare the cost and usefulness of each cell

Compare the societal impact of both cells

Compare the environmental impact of both cells

Make a judgement on the value of the cell in comparison to the other

94