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Wize High School Grade 12 Chemistry Textbook > Electrochemistry

Cell Notation

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Cell Diagram

  • The cell diagram aka standard cell notation is as follows:
| Anode | Ions from anode || Ions to cathode | Cathode |\text{| Anode | Ions from anode || Ions to cathode | Cathode |}

If we wanted to write this notation for the galvanic cell we just drew...
  • These were the 2 half reactions that were involved:
Zn(s) -> Zn2+ (aq) + 2e- Eoox=+0.76
Cu2+(aq) + 2e- -> Cu(s) Eored=+0.34

| Zn(s) | Zn2+(aq) || Cu2+(aq) | Cu(s) |

  • It can also be called standard cell notation because it is describing SATP:
    25
    C,
    1
    atm, [
    1
    M]
  • Note that if a half cell does not contain a solid species then an inert electrode must be used. eg. Pt(s)
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Mark Yourself Question
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Write the cell notation for the voltaic (or galvanic) cell that incorporates the following redox reaction:

Al(s)+Cr(aq)3+→Al(aq)3++Cr(s)Al_{(s)}+Cr^{3+}_{(aq)} \to Al^{3+}_{(aq)}+Cr_{(s)}
Al3+ +3e -> Al(s) Eored=-1.66V
Cr3+ + 3e- -> Cr(s) Eored=-0.73V
Which of the following is the correct cell notation for the half reactions below:

Pb(s) --> Pb2+(aq) + 2e-
Fe3+(aq) + e- --> Fe2+(aq)
In a zinc-lead cell the reaction is:

Pb2+(aq)+Zn(s)→Pb(s)+Zn2+(aq)       E°=0.637VPb^{2+}\left(aq\right)+Zn\left(s\right)\to Pb\left(s\right)+Zn^{2+}\left(aq\right)\ \ \ \ \ \ \ E\degree=0.637V

Which of the following statements about this cell is FALSE?
Extra Practice
Practice: Galvanic Cells
Galvanic Cell Practice
Construct a galvanic cell with the highest voltage given the following half reactions. Determine the voltage produced and express it in standard cell notation.
Na(aq)++e−→Na(s)Eo=−2.71VNa^+_{(aq)} +e^- \to Na_{(s)} \hspace{40pt} E^o=-2.71V
Practice: Galvanic Cells
Construct a galvanic cell with the highest voltage given the following half reactions. Determine the voltage produced and express it in standard cell notation.
Na(aq)++e−→Na(s)Eo=−2.71VNa^+_{(aq)} +e^- \to Na_{(s)} \hspace{40pt} E^o=-2.71V
S2O8(aq)2−+2e−→2SO4(aq)2−Eo=2.01VS_2O_{8(aq)}^{2-} +2e^- \to 2SO_{4(aq)}^{2-} \hspace{20pt} E^o=2.01V
Practice: Galvanic Cells
Galvanic Cell Practice
Construct a galvanic cell with the highest voltage given the following half reactions. Determine the voltage produced and express it in standard cell notation.
Na(aq)++e−→Na(s)Eo=−2.71VNa^+_{(aq)} +e^- \to Na_{(s)} \hspace{40pt} E^o=-2.71V
Electrochemistry: Galvanic Cells
Construct a galvanic cell with the highest voltage given the following half reactions. Determine the voltage produced and express it in standard cell notation.
Na(aq)++e−→Na(s)Eo=−2.71VNa^+_{(aq)} +e^- \to Na_{(s)} \hspace{40pt} E^o=-2.71V
S2O8(aq)2−+2e−→2SO4(aq)2−Eo=2.01VS_2O_{8(aq)}^{2-} +2e^- \to 2SO_{4(aq)}^{2-} \hspace{20pt} E^o=2.01V
Write the cell notation for the voltaic cell that incorporates each of the following redox reactions:
Al(s)+Cr(aq)3+→Al(aq)3++Cr(s)Al_{(s)}+Cr^{3+}_{(aq)} \to Al^{3+}_{(aq)}+Cr_{(s)}
Cu(aq)2++SO2(g)+2H2O(l)→Cu(s)+SO4(aq)2−+4H(aq)+Cu^{2+}_{(aq)}+SO_{2(g)}+2H_2O_{(l)} \to Cu_{(s)}+SO^{2-}_{4(aq)}+4H^+_{(aq)}
Write the cell notation for the voltaic (or galvanic) cell that incorporates the following redox reaction:
Al(s)+Cr(aq)3+→Al(aq)3++Cr(s)Al_{(s)}+Cr^{3+}_{(aq)} \to Al^{3+}_{(aq)}+Cr_{(s)}
Al3+ +3e -> Al(s) Eored=-1.66V