Question

Define electrochemical cell.

Answer 1

Electrochemical cell: It is a device that helps in the conversion of electrical energy to chemical energy or chemical energy to electrical energy. Based upon the conversion electrochemical cell is of two types:

Galvanic Cell: In these types of cells conversion of chemical energy to electrical energy will take place.

For example: $$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{Zn}\left(\mathrm{s}\right)+{\mathrm{CuSO}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)\to {\mathrm{ZnSO}}_4\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)+\mathrm{Cu}\left(\mathrm{s}\right) \\ \mathrm{Zinc}\mathrm{Copper}\mathrm{Zinc}\mathrm{Copper} \\ \mathrm{Sulphate}\mathrm{Sulphate} \end{gathered}$$

Electrolysis: In these types of cells conversion of electrical energy to chemical energy will take place.

For example: $$\begin{gathered} 2{\mathrm{H}}_2\mathrm{O}\left(\mathrm{l}\right)\stackrel{\mathrm{electricity}}{\to }2{\mathrm{H}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right)+{\mathrm{O}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right) \\ \mathrm{Water}\mathrm{Hydrogen}\mathrm{Oxygen} \end{gathered}$$