Electrochemistry · Grade 10
A simple cell: voltage from two metals
ChemAI · Worksheet
NameClassDate
Aim
Two metals in their salt solutions, a salt bridge and a voltmeter. Which pair gives the highest voltage?
Before you start: what do you predict will happen? Why?
What you do
| Step | What I observed | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Put in the salt bridge: the voltmeter shows the voltage of the Zn | Cu cell. | |
| 2 | Change the metals (Left / Right) and measure three different pairs. | |
| 3 | Find the pair with the highest voltage. The further apart in the reactivity series, the higher the voltage. | |
| 4 | Use the E° values: what voltage does a Mg | Ag cell give (V)? |
Calculation
Use the E° values: what voltage does a Mg | Ag cell give (V)?
Questions
- Write a word or symbol equation for one reaction you observed.
- Explain your most important observation using particles, ions or energy.
- Was your prediction right? What would you change to get a more reliable result?