Reference Systems and Electrochemical Cells: Basics Concepts with Resolved Questions and Problems (Sections 4 and 5)

As a teacher of physical chemistry, I noticed that students, even in advanced classes, have difficulties in understanding the basics of redox chemistry. The quantification of redox quantities, such as potentials requires reference systems (or electrodes) for comparison. Section 4 discusses the importance of reference systems (or electrodes) in the determination of electrochemical quantities. Several reference electrodes with their standard potentials are provided, and the trends of redox potentials across the periodic table are discussed. In addition to reference electrodes, the quantification of redox quantities requires electrochemical cells. Section 5 summarizes the basic components of electrochemical cells in terms of electrode and electrolyte, as well as the main mathematical quantities governing the redox reactions at equilibrium explained by the Nernst equation. To further clarify the discussed concepts, numerous questions and problems with detailed answers are provided. Most of these questions are formulated by students like you. I believe that these two Sections (4 and 5) would greatly help students with levels varying from high school to advanced university classes.

I received my MS degree in Electrochemistry from the University of Pierre et Marie CURIE in July 2002 and my PhD in Electrochemistry from the University of Paris Sud XI in September 2005, France. From 2006 to 2007, I worked as a research fellow at the University of Kansas in collaboration with Pinnacle Technology Inc. (USA). From 2007 to 2010, I was a research associate at KU Leuven, Belgium. From 2010 to 2012, I worked at the University of Ontario Institute of Technology in collaboration with Alcohol Countermeasure Systems Corporation, Canada. I held a prestigious Rosalind Franklin fellowship at the University of Groningen, Netherlands, and resigned in 2015. I published over 50 international reviewed papers, few patents, wrote hundreds of short news articles and blogs, and edited hundreds of science/technology papers published in various international peer reviewed journals. Meanwhile, I taught physical chemistry courses at various institutions. More information is available at: https://www.malika-ammam.com/