Question

What is polarization, as referred to as a simple voltaic cell? How is it overcome?

Answer 1

Polarization:

1. The chemical action that occurs in the cell while the current is flowing causes hydrogen bubbles to form on the surface of the anode. This action is called polarization.
2. Some hydrogen bubbles rise to the surface of the electrolyte and escape into the air, some remain on the surface of the anode.
3. If enough bubbles remain around the anode, the bubbles form a barrier that increases internal resistance.
4. When the internal resistance of the cell increases, the output current is decreased and the voltage of the cell also decreases.
5. Polarization in a simple voltaic cell decreases the efficiency of an anode.
6. It is a defect in a cell.
7. This results in a decrease in EMF of cell

Overcoming polarization:

1. To minimize the polarization, a depolarizer can be used since it can react with hydrogen gas produced in the cell.
2. A common depolarizer is manganese oxide.
3. It reacts with hydrogen gas producing water as a byproduct.