Grade 12 · Practical
Investigation: electrochemical cells and cell potential
Prescribed investigations · about 3 min
Visual overview: Investigation: electrochemical cells and cell potential1 MIN READ
2 study sections · pause after each one and recall the key ideaAim: to construct a galvanic cell and compare its measured emf with the value calculated from standard potentials.
Key points- 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.
EXAM TIP
the metal with the MORE negative reduction potential is oxidised and is therefore the anode — state this reasoning explicitly.