galvanic cell
Definition
Noun: - An electrochemical cell that generates electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions: A galvanic cell, also called a voltaic cell, is a device that converts chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous oxidation-reduction (redox) reactions. The chemical reactions are irreversible under normal operating conditions. - A primary cell: It is designed to be used until its reactants are depleted and is typically not rechargeable by reversing the current.
Usage
- The term is used in scientific and technical contexts, particularly in chemistry and physics, to describe a fundamental source of direct current (DC) electricity.
- It specifies a cell where the electrical energy is produced by a spontaneous chemical process, distinguishing it from an electrolytic cell, which requires electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous reaction.
Examples
Advanced Usage
- "Galvanic cell potential" or "cell EMF (electromotive force)": Refers to the voltage or electrical potential difference generated by the cell when no current is flowing.
- The galvanic cell potential was measured to be 1.1 volts.
- "To act as a galvanic cell": Describes a system or setup where spontaneous redox reactions produce electricity.
- When the two dissimilar metals were immersed in the electrolyte, the setup began to act as a galvanic cell.
Variants and Related Words
- Voltaic cell: A direct synonym for galvanic cell, named after Alessandro Volta.
- Primary cell: A broader category of non-rechargeable batteries that includes galvanic cells.
- Electrochemical cell: The general term for any device that generates electrical energy from chemical reactions or uses electrical energy to cause chemical changes. A galvanic cell is one type of electrochemical cell.
- Anode: The electrode where oxidation occurs in a galvanic cell.
- Cathode: The electrode where reduction occurs in a galvanic cell.
- Electrolyte: The ionic substance that allows charge to flow between the electrodes.
Synonyms
- Voltaic cell
- Primary cell (in the context of being non-rechargeable)
Antonyms / Contrasting Terms
- Electrolytic cell: A cell that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction (e.g., for electroplating or recharging a battery).
- Storage cell / Secondary cell: A rechargeable battery, such as a lithium-ion or lead-acid cell, where the chemical reactions can be reversed by applying an external electrical current.
Related Phrases / Compounds
- Galvanic corrosion: An electrochemical process where one metal corrodes preferentially when in electrical contact with a different metal in the presence of an electrolyte. This process is analogous to the operation of a galvanic cell.
- The steel bolt suffered from galvanic corrosion because it was connected to a copper plate.
- Galvanic series: A list of metals and alloys arranged according to their tendency to corrode (act as an anode) in a given environment.
- Consulting the galvanic series helps predict which metal will corrode in a bimetallic couple.
Noun
-
an electric cell that generates an electromotive force by an irreversible conversion of chemical to electrical energy; cannot be recharged
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