Question

Calculate the polarization in an electrochemical cell consisting of a zinc electrode and a copper electrode. The electrode potentials of zinc and copper are -0.76 V and +0.34 V, respectively. The resistance of the electrolyte solution between the electrodes is 10 ohms, and the current flowing through the cell is 0.5 A.

Answer 1

To calculate the polarization in the electrochemical cell, we first need to determine the cell potential  E_cell  and the voltage drop across the electrolyte solution  V_drop .1. Calculate the cell potential  E_cell :E_cell = E_cathode - E_anodeE_cell =  +0.34 V  -  -0.76 V E_cell = 1.10 V2. Calculate the voltage drop across the electrolyte solution  V_drop :V_drop = I * RV_drop =  0.5 A  *  10 ohms V_drop = 5 V3. Calculate the polarization  P :P = E_cell - V_dropP = 1.10 V - 5 VP = -3.9 VThe polarization in the electrochemical cell is -3.9 V.