Which of the following best defines electrochemistry?

• A. The study of the composition and structure of atoms and molecules.
• B. The study of the rates at which chemical reactions occur.
• C. The study of chemical processes that involve the movement of electrons and the relationship between electricity and chemical change.
• D. The study of the energy changes that accompany chemical reactions.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrochemistry is a branch of chemistry focused on the interaction between electrical energy and chemical changes.
2. Recognize that it involves chemical processes where electrons are transferred, such as in oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions.
3. Note that electrochemistry studies how electrical energy can cause chemical reactions and how chemical reactions can produce electrical energy.
4. Differentiate electrochemistry from other fields: it is not primarily about atomic structure, reaction rates, or general energy changes, but specifically about electron movement and electricity-chemical change relationships.
5. Conclude that the best definition of electrochemistry is 'the study of chemical processes that involve the movement of electrons and the relationship between electricity and chemical change.'