Voltaic/Galvanic Cells - MCAT Chemical and Physical Foundations of Biological Systems
Card 1 of 49
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
Which of the following compounds could be used to construct the structure labeled "X"?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
Which of the following compounds could be used to construct the structure labeled "X"?
Tap to reveal answer
Structure "X" corresponds to the slat bridge. Its main function is balancing the ionic charge that builds up as a voltaic cell functions; therefore, there needs to be an ability for the salt bridge to ionize and send appropriate ions to each half cell. KOH is the only ionizable salt among the answer choices.
Structure "X" corresponds to the slat bridge. Its main function is balancing the ionic charge that builds up as a voltaic cell functions; therefore, there needs to be an ability for the salt bridge to ionize and send appropriate ions to each half cell. KOH is the only ionizable salt among the answer choices.
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A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
In the above diagram, a KOH salt bridge is used. Which species would you anticipate finding at the tip of the arrow numbered 4?
The reduction potential for 
is 0.34. The reduction potential for 
0.80.
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
In the above diagram, a KOH salt bridge is used. Which species would you anticipate finding at the tip of the arrow numbered 4?
The reduction potential for
Tap to reveal answer
The correct answer is 
, as we would need to balance the loss of positive silver ions in that half cell. Silver has the greater reduction potential, and is therefore gaining electrons to become more negative. As the negative charge develops, it will attract the positive potassium ions in the salt bridge.
The correct answer is
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A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage creates a new cell, but uses the same element at both the anode and the cathode. What is likely to be true of this new cell?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage creates a new cell, but uses the same element at both the anode and the cathode. What is likely to be true of this new cell?
Tap to reveal answer
This is an example of a concentration cell. If you have two half cells, each made of the same chemical species, and connect them with a wire, the cell will generate a voltage as it attempts to correct the disequilibrium induced by the concentration difference.
This is an example of a concentration cell. If you have two half cells, each made of the same chemical species, and connect them with a wire, the cell will generate a voltage as it attempts to correct the disequilibrium induced by the concentration difference.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage wants to replace the water, represented by the blue in the diagram, with an alternative solvent. Which solvent would be most likely to produce a functioning cell?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage wants to replace the water, represented by the blue in the diagram, with an alternative solvent. Which solvent would be most likely to produce a functioning cell?
Tap to reveal answer
The function of a voltaic cell requires the generation and dissolution of ions. Acetic acid is the only answer choice with a net dipole moment, and would therefore be the only one to dissolve the ions produced. The other choices would be unable to dissolve the ions, and the cell would not function.
The function of a voltaic cell requires the generation and dissolution of ions. Acetic acid is the only answer choice with a net dipole moment, and would therefore be the only one to dissolve the ions produced. The other choices would be unable to dissolve the ions, and the cell would not function.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
If the structure labeled X were removed from the cell, which of the folllowing would be true?
The reduction potential for 
is 0.34. The reduction potential for 
0.80.
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
If the structure labeled X were removed from the cell, which of the folllowing would be true?
The reduction potential for
Tap to reveal answer
As the cell runs, only copper produces ions. Silver actually loses ions from solution. If this continues without balance by the salt bridge, the positive ions build up in the solution on the left side of the diagram, without any balanced negative ions, and repel the formation of new copper ions more and more strongly.
As the cell runs, only copper produces ions. Silver actually loses ions from solution. If this continues without balance by the salt bridge, the positive ions build up in the solution on the left side of the diagram, without any balanced negative ions, and repel the formation of new copper ions more and more strongly.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage disassembles the cell, and attempts to rebuild it the next day. He forgets, however, to include 
in the solvent of the half cell on the right side of the diagram. Which of the following is likely to happen?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage disassembles the cell, and attempts to rebuild it the next day. He forgets, however, to include
Tap to reveal answer
There must be 
pre-existing in the right-side half reaction for the cell to function at all. Without the pre-existing ions, the cell has no electron acceptor dissolved in solution, and no electron transfer can therefore take place. Electron transfer is the fundamental energy-producing process that takes place in a voltaic cell.
There must be
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When a galvanic cell contains two different solutions, a salt bridge is often required. The salt bridge allows the two solutions to remain isolated by providing ionic interactions for both solutions, without severely reducing the potential difference. The salt bridge is commonly composed of a potassium chloride solution.
In what direction would you expect the potassium ions to travel in a galvanic cell?
When a galvanic cell contains two different solutions, a salt bridge is often required. The salt bridge allows the two solutions to remain isolated by providing ionic interactions for both solutions, without severely reducing the potential difference. The salt bridge is commonly composed of a potassium chloride solution.
In what direction would you expect the potassium ions to travel in a galvanic cell?
Tap to reveal answer
Potassium ions (K+) will be positively charged, which means they will travel towards the side of the cell that is more negative. Reduction takes place at the cathode, because electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. Since negative charge accumulates at the cathode, the cations will travel in that direction, while the anions will travel towards the anode.
Potassium ions (K+) will be positively charged, which means they will travel towards the side of the cell that is more negative. Reduction takes place at the cathode, because electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. Since negative charge accumulates at the cathode, the cations will travel in that direction, while the anions will travel towards the anode.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
Which of the following compounds could be used to construct the structure labeled "X"?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
Which of the following compounds could be used to construct the structure labeled "X"?
Tap to reveal answer
Structure "X" corresponds to the slat bridge. Its main function is balancing the ionic charge that builds up as a voltaic cell functions; therefore, there needs to be an ability for the salt bridge to ionize and send appropriate ions to each half cell. KOH is the only ionizable salt among the answer choices.
Structure "X" corresponds to the slat bridge. Its main function is balancing the ionic charge that builds up as a voltaic cell functions; therefore, there needs to be an ability for the salt bridge to ionize and send appropriate ions to each half cell. KOH is the only ionizable salt among the answer choices.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
In the above diagram, a KOH salt bridge is used. Which species would you anticipate finding at the tip of the arrow numbered 4?
The reduction potential for is 0.34. The reduction potential for 0.80.
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
In the above diagram, a KOH salt bridge is used. Which species would you anticipate finding at the tip of the arrow numbered 4?
The reduction potential for
Tap to reveal answer
The correct answer is , as we would need to balance the loss of positive silver ions in that half cell. Silver has the greater reduction potential, and is therefore gaining electrons to become more negative. As the negative charge develops, it will attract the positive potassium ions in the salt bridge.
The correct answer is
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage creates a new cell, but uses the same element at both the anode and the cathode. What is likely to be true of this new cell?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage creates a new cell, but uses the same element at both the anode and the cathode. What is likely to be true of this new cell?
Tap to reveal answer
This is an example of a concentration cell. If you have two half cells, each made of the same chemical species, and connect them with a wire, the cell will generate a voltage as it attempts to correct the disequilibrium induced by the concentration difference.
This is an example of a concentration cell. If you have two half cells, each made of the same chemical species, and connect them with a wire, the cell will generate a voltage as it attempts to correct the disequilibrium induced by the concentration difference.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage wants to replace the water, represented by the blue in the diagram, with an alternative solvent. Which solvent would be most likely to produce a functioning cell?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage wants to replace the water, represented by the blue in the diagram, with an alternative solvent. Which solvent would be most likely to produce a functioning cell?
Tap to reveal answer
The function of a voltaic cell requires the generation and dissolution of ions. Acetic acid is the only answer choice with a net dipole moment, and would therefore be the only one to dissolve the ions produced. The other choices would be unable to dissolve the ions, and the cell would not function.
The function of a voltaic cell requires the generation and dissolution of ions. Acetic acid is the only answer choice with a net dipole moment, and would therefore be the only one to dissolve the ions produced. The other choices would be unable to dissolve the ions, and the cell would not function.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
If the structure labeled X were removed from the cell, which of the folllowing would be true?
The reduction potential for is 0.34. The reduction potential for 0.80.
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
If the structure labeled X were removed from the cell, which of the folllowing would be true?
The reduction potential for
Tap to reveal answer
As the cell runs, only copper produces ions. Silver actually loses ions from solution. If this continues without balance by the salt bridge, the positive ions build up in the solution on the left side of the diagram, without any balanced negative ions, and repel the formation of new copper ions more and more strongly.
As the cell runs, only copper produces ions. Silver actually loses ions from solution. If this continues without balance by the salt bridge, the positive ions build up in the solution on the left side of the diagram, without any balanced negative ions, and repel the formation of new copper ions more and more strongly.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage disassembles the cell, and attempts to rebuild it the next day. He forgets, however, to include in the solvent of the half cell on the right side of the diagram. Which of the following is likely to happen?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage disassembles the cell, and attempts to rebuild it the next day. He forgets, however, to include
Tap to reveal answer
There must be pre-existing in the right-side half reaction for the cell to function at all. Without the pre-existing ions, the cell has no electron acceptor dissolved in solution, and no electron transfer can therefore take place. Electron transfer is the fundamental energy-producing process that takes place in a voltaic cell.
There must be
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
When a galvanic cell contains two different solutions, a salt bridge is often required. The salt bridge allows the two solutions to remain isolated by providing ionic interactions for both solutions, without severely reducing the potential difference. The salt bridge is commonly composed of a potassium chloride solution.
In what direction would you expect the potassium ions to travel in a galvanic cell?
When a galvanic cell contains two different solutions, a salt bridge is often required. The salt bridge allows the two solutions to remain isolated by providing ionic interactions for both solutions, without severely reducing the potential difference. The salt bridge is commonly composed of a potassium chloride solution.
In what direction would you expect the potassium ions to travel in a galvanic cell?
Tap to reveal answer
Potassium ions (K+) will be positively charged, which means they will travel towards the side of the cell that is more negative. Reduction takes place at the cathode, because electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. Since negative charge accumulates at the cathode, the cations will travel in that direction, while the anions will travel towards the anode.
Potassium ions (K+) will be positively charged, which means they will travel towards the side of the cell that is more negative. Reduction takes place at the cathode, because electrons flow from the anode to the cathode. Since negative charge accumulates at the cathode, the cations will travel in that direction, while the anions will travel towards the anode.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
Which of the following compounds could be used to construct the structure labeled "X"?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
Which of the following compounds could be used to construct the structure labeled "X"?
Tap to reveal answer
Structure "X" corresponds to the slat bridge. Its main function is balancing the ionic charge that builds up as a voltaic cell functions; therefore, there needs to be an ability for the salt bridge to ionize and send appropriate ions to each half cell. KOH is the only ionizable salt among the answer choices.
Structure "X" corresponds to the slat bridge. Its main function is balancing the ionic charge that builds up as a voltaic cell functions; therefore, there needs to be an ability for the salt bridge to ionize and send appropriate ions to each half cell. KOH is the only ionizable salt among the answer choices.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
In the above diagram, a KOH salt bridge is used. Which species would you anticipate finding at the tip of the arrow numbered 4?
The reduction potential for is 0.34. The reduction potential for 0.80.
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
In the above diagram, a KOH salt bridge is used. Which species would you anticipate finding at the tip of the arrow numbered 4?
The reduction potential for
Tap to reveal answer
The correct answer is , as we would need to balance the loss of positive silver ions in that half cell. Silver has the greater reduction potential, and is therefore gaining electrons to become more negative. As the negative charge develops, it will attract the positive potassium ions in the salt bridge.
The correct answer is
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage creates a new cell, but uses the same element at both the anode and the cathode. What is likely to be true of this new cell?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage creates a new cell, but uses the same element at both the anode and the cathode. What is likely to be true of this new cell?
Tap to reveal answer
This is an example of a concentration cell. If you have two half cells, each made of the same chemical species, and connect them with a wire, the cell will generate a voltage as it attempts to correct the disequilibrium induced by the concentration difference.
This is an example of a concentration cell. If you have two half cells, each made of the same chemical species, and connect them with a wire, the cell will generate a voltage as it attempts to correct the disequilibrium induced by the concentration difference.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage wants to replace the water, represented by the blue in the diagram, with an alternative solvent. Which solvent would be most likely to produce a functioning cell?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage wants to replace the water, represented by the blue in the diagram, with an alternative solvent. Which solvent would be most likely to produce a functioning cell?
Tap to reveal answer
The function of a voltaic cell requires the generation and dissolution of ions. Acetic acid is the only answer choice with a net dipole moment, and would therefore be the only one to dissolve the ions produced. The other choices would be unable to dissolve the ions, and the cell would not function.
The function of a voltaic cell requires the generation and dissolution of ions. Acetic acid is the only answer choice with a net dipole moment, and would therefore be the only one to dissolve the ions produced. The other choices would be unable to dissolve the ions, and the cell would not function.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
If the structure labeled X were removed from the cell, which of the folllowing would be true?
The reduction potential for is 0.34. The reduction potential for 0.80.
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
If the structure labeled X were removed from the cell, which of the folllowing would be true?
The reduction potential for
Tap to reveal answer
As the cell runs, only copper produces ions. Silver actually loses ions from solution. If this continues without balance by the salt bridge, the positive ions build up in the solution on the left side of the diagram, without any balanced negative ions, and repel the formation of new copper ions more and more strongly.
As the cell runs, only copper produces ions. Silver actually loses ions from solution. If this continues without balance by the salt bridge, the positive ions build up in the solution on the left side of the diagram, without any balanced negative ions, and repel the formation of new copper ions more and more strongly.
← Didn't Know|Knew It →
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage disassembles the cell, and attempts to rebuild it the next day. He forgets, however, to include in the solvent of the half cell on the right side of the diagram. Which of the following is likely to happen?
A student conducts an experiment for a chemistry class. The student wishes to explore power generation from different types of voltaic cells. He sets up three different cells, and then compares the amount of energy generated from each one.
One of his cells is shown below as an example. Both remaining cells follow the same layout.
The student in the passage disassembles the cell, and attempts to rebuild it the next day. He forgets, however, to include
Tap to reveal answer
There must be pre-existing in the right-side half reaction for the cell to function at all. Without the pre-existing ions, the cell has no electron acceptor dissolved in solution, and no electron transfer can therefore take place. Electron transfer is the fundamental energy-producing process that takes place in a voltaic cell.
There must be
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