Glossary

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electrolytic cell: An electrochemical cellA system containing an oxidation-reduction reaction in which oxidation and reduction reactions are physically separated and the transferred electrons pass through an electrical circuit. Voltaic (galvanic) cells produce and electic current; electrolyic cells use electric current to force a reaction to occur. used to drive a reaction that would otherwise be non-spontaneousCapable of proceeding without an outside source of energy; refers to a reaction in which the products are thermodynamically favored (product-favored reaction). (reactantA substance consumed by a chemical reaction.-favored).

Term of the Day

The equilibrium constant expressionThe ratio of the concentrations of products in a balanced chemical equation, each concentration raised to the power of its coefficient, divided by the concentrations of reactants, each raised to the power of its coefficient; at equilibrium this ratio has the value of the equilibrium constant. for the dissolution of an electrolyteA substance that dissolves to produce a solution containing ions, which cause the solution to conduct electricity.; the reactantA substance consumed by a chemical reaction. is a solidA state of matter having a specific shape and volume and in which the particles do not readily change their relative positions. and its concentrationA measure of the ratio of the quantity of a substance to the quantity of solvent, solution, or ore. Also, the process of making something more concentrated. does not appear in the expression, which is a productA substance produced by a chemical reaction. of the concentrations of the products (raised the to appropriate powers).