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Galvanic Cell (Simplified) definitions

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  • Galvanic Cell
    A spontaneous electrochemical system that transforms stored chemical energy into electrical energy using two electrodes and a salt bridge.
  • Voltaic Cell
    Another name for a spontaneous electrochemical device that generates electricity from chemical reactions, functioning as a battery.
  • Electrolytic Cell
    A non-spontaneous electrochemical system that requires external electrical energy to drive chemical reactions, often using a battery.
  • Anode
    The electrode where oxidation occurs, electrons are lost, and in a galvanic cell, it carries a negative charge.
  • Cathode
    The electrode where reduction occurs, electrons are gained, and in a galvanic cell, it carries a positive charge.
  • Oxidation
    A process at the anode involving the loss of electrons from a substance, leading to an increase in oxidation state.
  • Reduction
    A process at the cathode involving the gain of electrons by a substance, resulting in a decrease in oxidation state.
  • Salt Bridge
    A tube connecting two half-cells, allowing ion flow to complete the circuit and maintain charge balance without mixing solutions.
  • Electrode
    A solid conductor, such as a metal, that serves as a site for oxidation or reduction within an electrochemical cell.
  • Voltmeter
    A device used to measure the electrical potential difference generated by an electrochemical cell.
  • Electron Flow
    The movement of electrons from the anode to the cathode, responsible for generating electrical current in the cell.
  • Neutral Ion
    An ion in solution that does not exhibit acidic or basic properties, essential for proper function of the salt bridge.
  • Battery
    A device that either generates electricity from chemical reactions (galvanic) or supplies energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions (electrolytic).
  • Half-Cell
    A compartment containing an electrode and its solution, representing either the oxidation or reduction part of an electrochemical cell.
  • Electrolysis
    A process in which electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, as seen in electrolytic cells.