Galvanic Cells
- teenstem
- Feb 8
- 2 min read
By Angela Huang
Introduction to Galvanic Cells
Galvanic cells, also known as voltaic cells, are cells in which chemical reactions are utilized to generate electrical energy. Oxidation is the loss of electrons and reduction is the gain of electrons. Through this spontaneous movement of electrons, a circuit is formed. Galvanic cells are found in button batteries, car batteries, and even pacemakers!
Galvanic cell example
Oxidation-Reduction Half Reactions
Oxidation-reduction reactions are driven by the transfer of electrons from one atom to another. We can assign elements oxidation numbers, the number that represents the electrons an atom gains or loses to form a chemical bond. These allow us to take a better look at redox equations, and how the reaction occurring powers the galvanic cell. In the galvanic cell, there is a cathode (the site of reduction) and an anode (the site of oxidation). The flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode generates electricity, powering the batteries we use in our daily life.
Redox Reaction
Conclusions
In conclusion, the batteries we use in our daily life are driven by chemical reactions. Galvanic cells are composed of half cells that generate electricity through redox reactions. The spontaneous flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode generates energy that can be used as electricity. Chemistry is everywhere, and galvanic cells are just one example out of the many that exist.
Sources
Libretexts. (2022, October 27). 17.2: Galvanic Cells. Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/General_Chemistry/Chemistry_1e_(OpenSTAX)/17%3A_Electrochemistry/17.2%3A_Galvanic_Cells#:~:text=Galvanic%20cells%2C%20also%20known%20as,reduction%20reactions%20produce%20electrical%20energy.
Main-group metals. Oxidation and Reduction. (n.d.). https://chemed.chem.purdue.edu/genchem/topicreview/bp/ch9/redox.php
Libretexts. (2023, August 29). Galvanic cells. Chemistry LibreTexts. https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Basics_of_Electrochemistry/Electrochemistry/Galvanic_Cells
Admin. (2023, June 5). Galvanic cells (voltaic cell) - definition, working principle & examples of Voltaic cell. BYJUS. https://byjus.com/chemistry/galvanic-cell/