Investigation: electrochemical cells and cell potential

Aim: to construct a galvanic cell and compare its measured emf with the value calculated from standard potentials.

• Apparatus: two half-cells (metal in its salt solution), salt bridge, voltmeter, connecting wires.
• Method: connect the half-cells with the salt bridge, read the emf, and identify the anode and cathode.
• Calculate: E(cell) = E(cathode) − E(anode) from the table of standard reduction potentials.
• The salt bridge maintains electrical neutrality and completes the circuit.

• Half-cell — one electrode in its electrolyte.
• Salt bridge — an ionic connection balancing charge.