EXPERIMENT 16

Electrochemical Cells: A Discovery Exercise1

Introduction
This lab is designed for you to discover the properties of electrochemical cells. It requires little previous
knowledge of electrochemical cellsyour preparation should concentrate on how you will carry out the
experiment, not on theoretical aspects.

An electrochemical cell is based on an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction and consists of two half-cells:
an anode half-cell and a cathode half-cell. Oxidation occurs at the anode; reduction occurs at the cathode.
An electrochemical cell can produce an electric current, which is driven by an electrical potential
difference between the two half-cells. In this experiment you will use a meter to measure and compare
the electrical potential differences of several electrochemical cells, some of which will have different
concentrations of metal ions.

Discussion
Electrochemical Half-cell
The half-cells constructed in this experiment consist of a piece of metal in
contact with an aqueous solution containing ions of the same metal. Standard-
State Conditions for such a half-cell require that the metal-ion concentration be
1.0 M. Thus, a piece of pure zinc in a 1.0-M solution of Zn2+ ions constitutes a
standard zinc|zinc-ion half-cell; a piece of copper in a 1.0-M solution of Cu2+
ions constitutes a standard copper|copper-ion half-cell, and so on.

The piece of metal in a half-cell is referred to as an electrode. An electrode is

something that can conduct electrons into or out of the half-cell.

Electrochemical Cell
If two half-cells are connected by placing a wire between the pieces of metal and by adding a salt bridge
between the two solutions, a direct electric current can flow through the circuit. The electric current is
generated because metal atoms in the more reducing metal convert to ions and leave one electrode to
enter the solution and ions of the less reducing metal accept electrons and plate out on the other electrode.
The electrons left behind when positive ions are formed at one electrode pass through the external circuit
and into the other electrode. There the electrons combine with ions from the solution to form metal
atoms. By measuring the direction of current flow, and the voltage generated in the cell, you can
determine which is the more reducing metal (stronger reducing agent), and by how much.

1
This experiment was designed and written by Joe March and revised by Gordon Bain. Further revision by Chad C. Wilkinson and John W.
Moore. Adapted by Julie C. Schlenker for use at Harvard. Copyright 2011 by the Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin.

Experiment 16 1
Salt Bridge
In order for current to flow, there must be a complete
electric circuit. The wire is part of the circuit and the salt
bridge completes the circuit. In this experiment, the salt
bridge is a porous cylinder soaked with 1.0 M aqueous
potassium nitrate. Remember that solutions of salts, such
as potassium nitrate, are electrolytesthey conduct
electrical current by movement of positive and negative
ions in the solution. Thus the porous cylinder provides a
path for conduction of electricity, just as the wire does,
completing the electrical circuit. Because diffusion of
the solutions through the porous cylinder is slow, there will be no mixing of the solution of one half-cell
with the solution of another on the time scale of the experiment. Thus the half-cells are connected
electrically, but not chemically, by the salt bridge.

Without a salt bridge a cell will not produce an electric current and you will not be able to measure the
electrical potential difference between the two electrodes.

Anode and Cathode

The half-cell in which oxidation occurs is called the anode. This is the half-cell in which metal atoms
lose electrons (are oxidized) to form positively charged ions (which go into solution). The electrons flow
into the external circuit from the anode.

The half-cell in which reduction occurs is called the cathode. This is the half-cell in which metal ions
from the solution gain electrons (are reduced) and plate out onto the electrode as uncharged atoms. The
electrons flow out of the external circuit into the cathode.

To easily remember what happens at the anode and cathode, note that oxidation and anode both begin
with vowels; reduction and cathode both begin with consonants.

Measuring Electrical Potential Difference with a Meter

You will use a multimeter to measure the electrical potential difference between half-cells. This
electrical potential difference is called the cell potential, Ecell. The multimeter has two leads (wires
connected to it), that you will connect to the two pieces of metal in each pair of half-cells. The reading on
the meter is the electrical potential difference between the electrically positive lead (red wire) and the
electrically negative lead (black wire).

Ecell(measured) = Epositive lead Enegative lead

If the meter reading is positive, this means that the positive lead is connected to a metal that has a more
positive potential than the metal connected to the negative lead. If the meter reading is negative, this
means that the positive lead is connected to a metal that has a more negative potential than the metal
connected to the negative lead.

Experiment 16 2
Because oxidation is defined as loss of electrons (increase in oxidation number), the half-cell where
oxidation is taking place generates electrons and causes the piece of metal to become more negative.
Thus, when the leads are connected so that the meter reading is positive, the anode (where oxidation is
occurring) is the electrode connected to the negative lead of the meter and the cathode is the electrode
connected to the positive lead. The meter reads the difference in potential between the positive lead and
the negative lead, so, when the meter reading is positive:

Ecell = Ecathode Eanode

Experimental Procedure
Safety in the Laboratory
Safety glasses or safety goggles must be worn at all times while in the laboratory.
Nitrile gloves must be worn at all times while performing this experiment or handling chemicals.
Long sleeves must be worn as students will be working with 1 M silver nitrate that will stain your
skin. Do not lean on the lab surface.
The aqueous metal salt solutions may irritate your skin. In case of contact with the skin, wash the
affected area with water for 15 minutes.
Make sure you wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.

Waste Disposal and Cleanup

All solutions should be poured into the waste collection bucket provided.
Metal wire or foil must be washed thoroughly with distilled water, dried, and then returned to the
center bench. Do not put any solid metal in the trash!

Before You Leave the Lab

Have your TF check your lab bench for cleanup.
Submit your data and lab report to your TF.
Wash your hands before leaving the lab.

Equipment and Reagents

The following equipment and reagents will be available at the center bench.
Multi-EChem module aqueous copper (II) nitrate, 1M Cu(NO3)2 (aq)
multimeter with leads aqueous zinc nitrate, 1 M Zn(NO3)2 (aq)
alligator clips aqueous nickel (II) nitrate, 1 M Ni(NO3)2 (aq)
copper strip, Cu (s) aqueous iron (II) chloride, 1 M FeCl2 (aq)
zinc strip, Zn (s) aqueous silver nitrate, 1M AgNO3 (aq)
nickel, Ni (s) aqueous potassium nitrate, 1.0 M KNO3 (aq)
iron nail, Fe (s) 1 mL volumetric pipet
silver strip, Ag (s) 10 mL volumetric flask
sandpaper

Experiment 16 3
Part A: Metal/Metal Ion Cells at 1 M

Set Up Each Half-Cell

A half-cell consists of a piece of metal partially immersed in a solution of a salt of the same metal.
1. Using a bottle top dispenser, gently dispense 2 mL of solution into wells 1-5 of the Multi-EChem
module, according to the table below. (DO NOT dispense the solution too quickly or it will splash
into an adjoining well or into your face!)
Well # 1 M solution
1 Copper (II) nitrate
2 Zinc nitrate
3 Nickel (II) nitrate
4 Iron (II) chloride
5 Silver nitrate

2. Gently dispense 5 mL of KNO3(aq) into the center well of the Multi-EChem Module.
3. Obtain one strip of each type of metal (the electrode) from the center bench. If necessary, use
sandpaper to clean the surface of the metal and remove any oxide coating.
4. Place a metal electrode in each corresponding solution (e.g., Zn in the Zn(NO3)2(aq) solution, etc.).
5. All half-cells can be prepared in the Multi-EChem Module at the same time.

Measure the Electrical Potential Difference between Each Pair of Half-Cells

Use the multimeter to measure an electrical potential difference between two half-cells.
1. Connect the (-) lead (black) to the COM port of the multimeter. Connect the (+) lead (red) to the
VmA port. Turn the dial to 2 V (this means the meter will read a maximum of 2 V).
2. Connect the (+) lead (red) to the metal electrode in one half-cell. Connect the () lead (black) to the
metal electrode in a different half-cell. Observe the first steady potential from the meter. (The
potential will change slowly, so record the first reading that seems like it is not noise from making the
connection.)
3. Record your data in Table 1 of the Data and Analysis portion of the Lab Report.
4. Observe and record the potential difference for all of the possible combinations of half-cells available
with the set-up you prepared. (You should have 20 different cell potentials.)
Notes: Check the appearance of the metal strip before each measurement. If the strip appears dull you
may need to sand it again before taking a measurement in order to have a pure metal surface that
will yield good results.
Make certain that the alligator clips are firmly attached to the metal strips so that there is a good
electrical connection.
Make certain there is no mixing of solutions in different cavities of the Multi-EChem Module.
This will change concentrations and cause inaccurate results.
Make certain there is enough solution in the well to reach the salt bridge.

Experiment 16 4
Part B: Establishing a Relationship between Cell Potential and Concentration

1. Use a plastic pipet to remove all but the silver-ion solution and the salt-bridge solution out of the
Multi-EChem Module. Rinse each empty well by adding distilled water with a squirt bottle and
removing it out with the plastic pipet. Do at least three rinses of each well. Put the used chemicals in
the Used Chemicals beaker at your bench.
2. Use two 10 mL volumetric flasks and a 1 mL pipet, along with the 1 M copper-ion solution from the
center bench, to prepare a solution that is 0.1 M in copper (II) ions.
3. Place the 1 M copper-ion solution and the 0.1 M copper-ion solution into two separate empty wells in
the EChem module. Be sure to record which well contains each solution.
4. Repeat your dilution procedure to produce three more successive dilutions and obtain copper-ion
solutions that are 0.01 M, 0.001 M, and 0.0001 M concentrations. As you complete each dilution, add
the solution to a different empty well in the EChem module, again recording which well contains each
solution. Pour any excess chemicals into the Used Chemicals beaker at your bench.
5. Your Echem module should now contain five copper-ion solutions (1 M, 0.1 M, 0.01 M, 0.001 M, and
0.0001 M), along with the silver nitrate solution and the salt bridge solution. Measure the potential
difference between the silver half-cell and a half-cell made from each of the different copper-ion
solutions. Connect the cell in such a way that you get a positive voltage reading. Record the measured
potentials in the appropriate data table in your Lab Report.
6. Use a plastic pipet to suck the silver ion solution out of the Multi-Echem Module and rinse out the
well three times. Refill the well with a zinc half-cell. (Alternatively, if you still have a clean empty
well remaining in your Echem module, you could simply add the zinc solution to that empty well.)
Repeat your measurements by connecting the zinc half-cell to each of the different copper solutions.
Be sure to connect your cells so you obtain a positive voltage. Record the voltages you obtain in the
data table.

Waste Disposal and Clean-up

Thoroughly rinse all metal strips with distilled water over the Used Chemicals beaker. Dry the
metal strips with a paper towel and return them to the appropriate location at the center bench.
Thoroughly rinse your EChem module with distilled water, making sure that all rinse water goes
into the Used Chemicals beaker. Place your clean EChem module back at the center bench.
Rinse out the 10 mL flasks and the pipet with distilled water and put them back at the center
bench.
Pour all aqueous waste and the contents of your Used Chemicals beaker into the proper waste
container in the hood.
Put the multimeters and alligator clips back at the center bench.
Wipe down your lab bench with a paper towel when you are done.

Before You Leave the Lab

Have your TF check your lab bench for cleanup.
Submit your data and lab report to your TF.
Wash your hands before leaving the lab.

Experiment 16 5
TF: __________________ Name: __________________________

Experiment 16: Data Collection, Lab Report and Prelab

Before You Come to Lab:
Read the entire lab report, including the previous introduction and discussion, and the entire
procedure.
Complete the Prelab, which is the last page of the lab report, and turn the prelab into your TF as
you enter the lab.
Safety in the Laboratory
Safety glasses or safety goggles must be worn at all times while in the laboratory.
Nitrile gloves must be worn at all times while performing this experiment or handling chemicals.
Long sleeves must be worn as students will be working with 1 M silver nitrate that will stain your
skin. Do not lean on the lab surface.
The aqueous metal salt solutions may irritate your skin. In case of contact with the skin, wash the
affected area with water for 15 minutes.
Make sure you wash your hands before leaving the laboratory.

Waste Disposal and Cleanup

All solutions and aqueous waste should be disposed of in the waste bucket in the back hood.
Metal wire or foil must be washed thoroughly with distilled water, dried, and then returned to the
center bench. Do not put any solid metal in the trash!!
The EChem module must be rinsed with distilled water and returned to the center bench.
Wipe down your lab bench with a paper towel when you are done.

Before You Leave the Lab

Have your TF check your lab bench for cleanup.
Submit your data and lab report to your TF. This page and all subsequent pages must be stapled
and turned in.
Wash your hands before leaving the lab.

Grading:

Prelab: ____/10
Lab Report: ____/20
Safety: ____/3
Cleanup: ____/2

Total: ____/35
Experiment 16 6
 TF: __________________ Name: __________________________

Data and Analysis

Part A: Metal/Metal Ion Cells at 1 M

1. Fill in the table of cell potentials that you measured. Include the sign of the meter reading. 1 point

Electrochemical cell Negative lead (black, COM port)

potential (V) Cu|Cu2+ Zn|Zn2+ Ni|Ni2+ Fe|Fe2+ Ag|Ag+
Cu|Cu2+
(red, VmA port)

1.101 0.575 0.779 -0.460

Positive lead

Zn|Zn2+ -1.101 -0.526 -0.322 -1.561

Ni|Ni2+ -0.575 0.526 0.204 -1.035
Fe|Fe2+ -0.779 0.322 -0.204 -1.239
Ag|Ag+ 0.460 1.561 1.035 1.239

Metals are often listed as an electromotive (or electrochemical) series. Such a series places metals that
are most easily oxidized at the top. For example, sodium metal is very easily oxidized to sodium ions
so easily that it reacts with water to produce sodium ionsso sodium is near the top of the
electrochemical series. Consider the metals you worked with in this experiment. When a metal is
oxidized, ions of another metal are reduced at the same time. Since oxidation occurs at the anode, think
about your results for observed cell potentials, and list the metals in order of their ability to be oxidized.

Use your data from the table above to place each metal in the correct position in the electromotive series
below. Put the most easily oxidized metal at the left of the list and the least easily oxidized metal at the
right end.

Electromotive Series: 1 point

_____Zn_____ > ____Fe______ > _____Ni_____ > ____Cu______ > _____Ag_____

Part B: Establishing a Relationship between Cell Potential and Concentration

2. Fill in the table below with the results of your experiments with different concentrations of aqueous
copper(II) ions. 2 points
Conc. of Cu2+(aq) Log Conc of Cu2+(aq) Ecell (vs Ag|Ag+half-cell) Ecell (vs Zn|Zn2+ half-cell)
(M) (M) (V) (V)
1M 0 0.398 0.858
0.1 M -1 0.448 0.837
0.01 M -2 0.460 0.829
0.001 M -3 0.478 0.796
0.0001 M -4 0.496 0.771

Experiment 16 7
TF: __________________ Name: __________________________

3. On the axes below, plot your data from the previous table( i.e. plot Ecell vs. the log of the copper-ion
concentration). You should plot the data collected using the Ag|Ag+ half-cell and the data collected
using the Zn|Zn2+ half-cell on the same axes. Using a calculator or software, fit a line to each data set
and determine its slope, y-intercept, and R2 value. 4 points

For the Ag|Ag+ graph:

Slope = ____-0.0226______ y-int. = ___0.4108____ R2 = ___0.924___

For the Zn|Zn2+ graph:

Slope = ______0.0215_____ y-int. = ____0.8612____ R2 = ___0.9681___

Experiment 16 8
TF: __________________ Name: __________________________

Lab Report
1. Discuss the graphs you obtained for cell potential as a function of the log of the copper (II)-ion
concentrations in Part B. How are the graphs of data from the silver half-cell and from the zinc
half-cell similar, and how are they different? 2 points

They are similar in that the magnitude of the slopes are the roughly the same 0.0215 and
0.0226 respectively because both concentrations are 1M . The differences lie in that Ag has
a negative slope and Zn has a positive slope. That means Cu has a different role in chemical
reaction for each case. (oxidation and reduction)

2. Oxidation occurs at the anode () and reduction occurs at the cathode (+). Using this information
and your data from Part A of the lab, write a complete balanced equation for the reaction that
occurs when the half cells are Cu|Cu2+ and Zn|Zn2+, and then write a complete balanced equation
for the reaction that occurs when the half-cells are Cu|Cu2+ and Ag|Ag+. Explain how you knew
which substance was being oxidized and reduced in each case. 2 points

Ag/Ag+ : (Net reaction) Cu(s) + 2Ag+(aq) Cu2+(aq) + 2Ag(s)

Copper is being oxidized from a formal charge of 0 to 2+ so it loses electrons
Silver is being reduced from Ag+ to Ag so it has gained an electron
Zn/Zn2+ : (Net reaction) Cu2+(aq) + Zn(s) Cu(s) + Zn2+(aq)
Copper is being reduced from a 2+ charge to a 0 charge thus it is gaining two electrons.
Zinc is being oxidized from Zn charge 0 to a 2+ charge thus it is losing electrons.

3. Using your answers from problem 2, write out the Nernst equation for the reaction when the half-
cells are Cu|Cu2+ and Zn|Zn2+, and write out the Nernst equation for the reaction when the half-
cells are Cu|Cu2+ and Ag|Ag+. Using these equations, explain the reason for the differences in the
graphs that you noted in problem 1. 2 points

E= (E0 Ag E0Cu)- 0.05916 log [Cu2+]

+
2 [Ag ]2

E= (E0 Cu E0Zn)- 0.05916 log [Zn2+]

2 [Cu2+]

Experiment 16 9
TF: __________________ Name: __________________________

4. In the reaction that occurs when the half-cells are Cu|Cu2+ and Zn|Zn2+, is Cu2+ a reactant or a
product? Without referencing the Nernst equation, can you use concepts of equilibrium and
LeChateliers principle to explain the relationship between Cu2+ concentration and voltage? Note
that the greater (more positive) the value of Ecell, the greater the tendency of the reaction to run in
the forward direction and produce products. 2 points

Cu2+ (aq) is a reactant

Observation : [Cu2+] Ecell product
As [Cu2+] increases, the reaction goes forward. That means the Cu2+ is a reactant.

5. Describe three possible sources of error in your measurements of cell potentials and how the
potentials would be affected by the error. 2 points
- The metal strip could be dull and doesnt have a pure metal surface.
- The alligator clips could not be firmly attached to the metal strips so that there could be a
bad electrical connection.
- Mixing of solutions in different cavities of the Multi-EChem Module. This will change
concentrations and cause inaccurate results.
- If there is not enough solution in the well, the solution could not reach the salt bridge.

6. Predict the effect of replacing the 1 M copper (II) nitrate solution used in this experiment with a
1 M copper (II) chloride solution. Explain the basis for your prediction. 1 point

Because both solution has Cu/Cu2+ reaction, there is no difference in the net redox reaction.

7. Suppose that before you began your experiments the supply of potassium nitrate for the salt
bridge solution had run out. The only substitute you could find was zinc nitrate solution. Will
using the zinc nitrate solution in the salt bridge compartment affect the cell potential you
measure? Why or why not 1 point

The high reduction potential of Zn2+ may lead to Zn2+ reducing, rather than the actual
metal cations in the cathode. Moreover, for the Zn2+ half cell, the potential difference would
be changed because [ Zn2+] is changed

Experiment 16 10
TF: __________________ Name: __________________________

Prelab
To be completed and handed in as you enter the lab.

1. Suppose you connect the positive lead to a Zn|Zn2+ half-cell and the negative lead to an Mg|Mg2+
half-cell and obtain a reading of +0.656 V from the multimeter.

Draw a diagram of this electrochemical cell. Label the metals and corresponding solutions and
indicate the direction of electron flow. Which metal is the anode and which metal is the cathode?
Explain how you know. 7 points

Experiment 16
TF: __________________ Name: __________________________
2. You will have two 10 mL volumetric flasks and a 1 mL volumetric pipet to use for part B.
Explain how you will make solutions with copper-ion concentrations ranging from 0.1 M to
0.0001 M, starting with 1 M copper (II) nitrate. 3 points

Experiment 16