In Unit 3, you learned that in oxidation-reduction reactions, there is a flow of electrons from one reactant to another. This flow of electrons can result in an electric current. You also learned that thermodynamics will determine whether a reaction occurs spontaneously. Electrochemistry is the study and application of using spontaneous chemical reactions to generate electricity, or using electricity to cause nonspontaneous reactions to occur. It is behind many processes and applications we find familiar, including useful ones (think batteries) and ones we don’t want (think rusting of cars).
This topic will begin with a brief review of oxidation-reduction concepts essential to our look at electrochemistry. These concepts will then be applied to an electrochemical cell. A study of electrochemical cells, including their parts, how they work, and their driving force for operation will make up a large part of your studies. We will then focus on connections between electrochemical cells and concepts you have learned previously — thermodynamics and equilibrium. The topic will close with some everyday applications of electrochemistry, including batteries, fuel cells, corrosion, and metal plating.
