Reduction and Oxidation

(Redox Reactions)
 What are Redox Reactions?
• Redox reactions (Reduction-Oxidation reactions) involve the transfer of electrons
between substances.
• These reactions are fundamental in chemical reactions, such as combustion,
metabolism, corrosion, and battery operations.

Key Definitions
OXIDATION: The loss of electrons (increase in oxidation state).
REDUCTION: The gain of electrons (decrease in oxidation state).
OXIDIZING AGENT: The substance that gains electrons (causes oxidation of
another).
REDUCING AGENT: The substance that loses electrons (causes reduction of
another).
 Mnemonic to Remember Oxidation and Reduction

OIL RIG
• Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons)
• Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
 Identifying Oxidation and Reduction
Reaction of Sodium with Chlorine

Step 2: Identify the oxidizing and reducing agents.

• Oxidizing Agent: Chlorine (Cl₂) (because it gains electrons).
• Reducing Agent: Sodium (Na) (because it loses electrons).
 Identifying Oxidation and Reduction
Rusting of Iron

• Iron (Fe) loses electrons → Oxidation

• Oxygen (O₂) gains electrons → Reduction
• Oxidizing Agent: Oxygen
• Reducing Agent: Iron

Real-Life Example:
• Oxidation: When apples turn brown (exposure to oxygen).
• Reduction: Photosynthesis (carbon dioxide is reduced to glucose).
 Summary and Applications
Key Takeaways
• Oxidation is the loss of electrons, while reduction is the gain of electrons.
• The oxidizing agent gains electrons, and the reducing agent loses electrons.
• Redox reactions power batteries, cause corrosion, and drive biological processes.
• Balancing redox equations ensures chemical reactions follow the law of conservation of
mass and charge.

Real-World Applications
• Batteries (Oxidation at the anode, reduction at the cathode).
• Corrosion (Iron rusting due to oxidation).
• Food Preservation (Antioxidants prevent oxidation in food).
• Industrial Processes (Electroplating, metal refining).
Cell Potential (Electrode
Potential) and Standard
Cell Potential
 Introduction to Electrochemical Cells
What are Electrochemical Cells?
Electrochemical cells are devices that convert chemical energy into electrical energy or
vice versa through redox reactions.

There are two main types of electrochemical cells:

Type of Cell Function Spontaneity Example

Galvanic (Voltaic) Produces electrical Spontaneous Batteries

Cell energy
Electrolytic Cell Uses electrical energy Non-spontaneous Electroplating
drive a reaction

Electroplating, also known as electrodeposition, is a process where a thin layer of metal is applied to an object
using electricity. It involves passing an electric current through a solution containing the desired metal ions,
causing the metal to deposit onto the object's surface.
 Components and Functioning of Electrochemical
Cells
1. Galvanic (Voltaic) Cells
A galvanic cell is an electrochemical cell that spontaneously generates electricity through
a redox reaction.

Components of a Galvanic Cell

1.Two Electrodes
1. Anode: Where oxidation occurs (negative electrode).
2. Cathode: Where reduction occurs (positive electrode).
2.Electrolyte Solutions: Contain ions that participate in the redox reaction.
3.Salt Bridge: Allows the movement of ions to maintain charge balance.
4.External Circuit: Allows the flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode.
 Components and Functioning of Electrochemical
Cells
Example: Daniell Cell (Zn-Cu Galvanic Cell)
The Daniell Cell consists of a zinc electrode (anode) and a copper electrode (cathode)
immersed in their respective solutions.

Reactions in the Daniell Cell

• At the Anode (Oxidation):
• At the Cathode (ReductionFunctioning of a Galvanic Cell
• Zinc atoms lose electrons (oxidation) and dissolve into the solution.
• The electrons travel through the external circuit to the copper electrode.
• Copper ions gain electrons (reduction) and deposit as solid copper.
• The salt bridge maintains charge neutrality by allowing ions to move.
• Two distinct metals are dipped in a salt
solution containing their own ions to create
electrochemical cells. This results in either a
voltage that generates current (electrons flow
via the wire connecting the two metals, or two
electrodes) or electromotive force (potential
difference).

• The salt bridge, which completes the circuit

by enabling ions to flow between the two half
cells, is typically a piece of filter paper that
has been dipped in potassium nitrate.

• The more reactive metal (Zn) is oxidized

because it loses electrons more readily. (Cu)
The other is reduced.
• Each electrode has the capacity to undergo
both oxidation and reduction, making them
reversible. Additionally, zinc would be
reduced if we used a more reactive metal for
copper. We will instead write the partial
equations.

Half Equations:
Half Equations:

• The reduction reaction always proceeds when

we construct a reversible half equation like
this, indicating that the electrons are on the
left. For each, which way does it go?
Because copper is reduced, the more reactive
metal that is oxidized will undergo a forward
reaction; however, the reaction for zinc is
reversed. This is determined by the
electrode potential.
STANDARD ELECTRODE POTENTIAL - The electrode potential of all metals is
compared with the standard hydrogen electrode
-
For the overall reaction, reduction is forward.

How to write the Electrochemical Cell in simple way?

Left side | Reduced form | Oxidized form | | Oxidized form | Reduced form| Right
side

Example:
 Components and Functioning of Electrochemical
Cells
Real-Life Applications of Galvanic Cells
• Batteries (Dry Cell, Lithium-Ion Battery, Lead-Acid Battery)
• Corrosion Protection (Sacrificial Anodes in ships and pipelines)
• Biological Systems (Neural impulses in the human body use electrochemical gradients)
2. Electrolytic Cells
An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that requires an external power source to
drive a non-spontaneous redox reaction.

Use an electric current to drive a thermodynamically unfavorable reaction.

Key Features of an Electrolytic Cell

• Opposite of a Galvanic Cell (it requires energy instead of producing it).
• Electrodes are reversed:
• Anode is positive (where oxidation occurs).
• Cathode is negative (where reduction occurs).
• Used in electroplating, metal refining, and water electrolysis.
The electrons originate from the
power source's negative end.
Assume that electrons are
travelling through the wire in
the direction of the right inert
electrode.

The electrodes won't take part

in this process because they are
inert.
 Example: The electron is a piece of a
platinum metal (very unreactive). At
the surface of the electrode, the
electrons reduced the liquid sodium
ions into liquid sodium. Therefore,
liquid sodium will form at the right
electrode. The melting point of NaCl
is higher than the melting point of
Na. Therefore, at this high
temperature, Na will remain liquid.
And when it cools down, it will turn
into Na metal.

Cathode - Reduction
We also have another inert electrode
on the left. At this electrode,
oxidation is taking place, because
liquid 2Cl anions are turning into
Cl2. So, there will be a formation of
bubbles at the electrode. As the
liquid 2Cl anions are oxidized,
there’s a loss of electrons. So, the
electrons will flow through the wire
back toward the positive terminal of
the power source.

Anode - Oxidation
Example: Electrolysis of Water
Water is split into hydrogen and oxygen gas using electricity.

Reactions:
At the Anode (Oxidation):
At the Cathode (Reduction):

Real-Life Applications of Electrolytic Cells

• Electroplating (Jewelry, Car Parts)
• Extraction of Aluminum from Bauxite (Hall-Héroult Process)
• Water Electrolysis to Produce Hydrogen Fuel
 Standard Cell Potential (E°cell) and Its Calculation
What is Standard Cell Potential (E°cell)?
The standard cell potential (E°cell) is the voltage produced by an electrochemical cell
under standard conditions:
• 1M concentration of solutions
• 25°C (298 K) temperature
• 1 atm pressure
Formula for Standard Cell Potential

• A positive E° cell​ indicates a spontaneous reaction (galvanic cell).

• A negative E° cell indicates a non-spontaneous reaction (electrolytic cell).
 Standard Cell Potential (E°cell) and Its Calculation
Example Calculation: Daniell Cell (Zn-Cu Cell)
Given standard reduction potentials:

Since E°cell is positive, the reaction is spontaneous, and the cell can generate electricity.
 Predicting the Spontaneity of Redox Reactions

How to Determine if a Reaction is Spontaneous?

• If E°cell > 0 → The reaction is spontaneous (Galvanic cell).
• If E°cell < 0 → The reaction is non-spontaneous (Electrolytic cell).

Example: Will a Reaction Between Aluminum and Silver Ions Be Spontaneous?

• Given standard reduction potentials:

• Since E° cell​ is positive, the reaction is spontaneous.

 Predicting the Spontaneity of Redox Reactions

Real-Life Applications
• Battery Design (Predicting which metals produce the best voltage).
• Corrosion Prevention (Metals with lower potentials corrode faster).
• Fuel Cells (Designing efficient energy conversion devices).
 Summary
1. Galvanic cells generate electricity through spontaneous redox reactions.
2. Electrolytic cells require an external power source for non-spontaneous reactions.
3. Standard cell potential (E°cell) is calculated using electrode potentials to determine
if a reaction is spontaneous.
4. A positive E°cell means the reaction occurs naturally and can be used for electricity
generation.
 Practice Questions
1. Explain the difference between a galvanic cell and an electrolytic cell.
2. Calculate the standard cell potential for a reaction between Fe²⁺ and Cu²⁺.
3. Predict whether the reaction Mg + Fe²⁺ → Mg²⁺ + Fe is spontaneous.
4. How does the salt bridge function in a galvanic cell?
Relationship Between Cell
Potential and Feasibility to
Generate Current
 Relationship Between Cell Potential and Feasibility
to Generate Current
What is Cell Potential?
The cell potential (Ecell) is the measure of the electrical potential difference between two
electrodes in an electrochemical cell.
- Cell potential refers to the voltage of an electrochemical cell whose value can be affected
by temperature, concentration, and pressure.
- When we refer to the "standard potential of a half-cell" or "couple" M2+/M, we mean the
potential difference Eright – Eleft of the cell
- The more positive the cell potential, the greater the tendency of this reaction to occur and
the stronger the oxidizing agent M2+.
It determines:
• Whether a redox reaction is spontaneous or non-spontaneous.
• The ability of the cell to generate electrical current.
 Standard Cell Potential (E°cell) and Spontaneity
• E°cell is the cell potential under standard conditions (1M concentration, 25°C, 1 atm).
• Formula to calculate E°cell:

• Interpreting the Sign of E°cell:

E°cell Value Reaction Type Spontaneity Electrochemical Cell

Type
E°cell ​> 0 Galvanic (Voltaic)
Spontaneous Can generate electrical current
Cell
E°cell​ < 0 Cannot generate electrical
Non-Spontaneous Electrolytic Cell
current without external energy
 Relationship Between Cell Potential and Spontaneity
1. If 𝐸°cell​ is Positive (𝐸°cel > 0)
• The reaction occurs spontaneously.
• The cell produces electrical energy.
Example: Daniell Cell (Zn-Cu Voltaic Cell)

Given:

Since E° cell​ is positive, the reaction is spontaneous, and the cell generates current.
 Relationship Between Cell Potential and Spontaneity
1. If 𝐸°cell​ is Positive (𝐸°cel < 0)
• The reaction is non-spontaneous.
• The cell requires external energy to proceed (electrolysis).

Example: Electrolysis of Water

• The process needs an external power source to decompose water into H2 and O2​.
• Water does not naturally decompose into hydrogen and oxygen without energy input.
 Magnitude of Cell Potential and Current Generation
How the Magnitude of E°cell Affects Current Output

• The larger the E°cell, the greater the driving force for electron flow, leading to:
• Higher voltage produced.
• More electrical energy available for external circuits

Cell Potential (E°cell) Effect on Current

Higher E°cell ( > 1V) Stronger electron flow, higher voltage
Lower E°cell (0 - 1V) Weaker electron flow, lower voltage
E°cell < 0 No spontaneous current generation
 Real-Life Example: Battery Comparison

Battery Type E°cell Application

Lithium-Ion Battery ~3.7V Phones, laptops

Lead-Acid Battery ~2.1V per cell Car batteries

Flashlights, remote
Alkaline Battery ~1.5V
controls

A higher voltage means a stronger battery that can power more demanding devices.
 Gibbs Free Energy and Cell Potential
The spontaneity of a redox reaction is also linked to Gibbs free energy (ΔG°):

• ΔG° = Gibbs free energy change (J/mol).

• n = Number of electrons transferred.
• F = Faraday’s constant (96,485 C/mol).
• E°cell = Standard cell potential (V).

Relationship Between ΔG° and E°cell

E°cell Value E°cell Application
E°cell​>0 ΔG°<0 Spontaneous reaction (generates current)

E°cell​<0 ΔG°>0 Non-spontaneous reaction (requires energy input)

 Summary
1. E°cell determines spontaneity:
• Positive E°cell → Spontaneous, generates current.
• Negative E°cell → Non-spontaneous, requires energy input.
2. The larger the E°cell, the stronger the current generation.
3. Gibbs Free Energy (ΔG°) and Cell Potential are linked:

4. Applications in Real Life:

• Batteries (Cell Phones, Cars, Laptops, Remote Controls)
• Corrosion Prevention (Sacrificial Anodes, Protective Coatings)
• Fuel Cells (Hydrogen-powered Vehicles, Spacecraft Power Systems)
 Practice Problems and Assessment
1. A voltaic cell is made using the half-reactions:
• Ag+ + 𝑒− → Ag E° = 0.80V
• Fe2+ + 2𝑒− → Fe E° = -0.44V
Calculate E°cell and determine if the reaction is spontaneous.
2. What happens to the ability of a battery to generate current if its E°cell decreases over
time?
3. Explain why a corroded battery has reduced voltage output.
4. A reaction has 𝐸°cell=−1.23𝑉E° cell​ =−1.23V. Is it spontaneous or non-spontaneous?
What type of electrochemical cell is required for this reaction?