Unit A: Chemical Change

Lesson 2.4: Using Voltaic Cells

Voltaic cells make use of the oxidation and reduction reactions of metals and metal ions. You are familiar with voltaic cells in the form of batteries.

  • Read pages 86 and 87 of the textbook up to the investigation.  do question 34 and check the answer below.

     

    Courtesy Alberta Education


     
As in the following investigation, you can build a simple voltaic cell by using metal strips and their corresponding metal-sulfate solutions.
 

  • Read the entire investigation on pages 87 to 89 of the textbook.
If you have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 1. If you do not have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 2.

For this path you will watch a slide show that will show you how to build a voltaic cell.

  • Complete the pre-lab analysis on page 88.

  • View  “Building a Voltaic Cell” .  Start and stop the video as required.  Record your observations when prompted.

  • Answer questions 8 to 11 of “Analysis” on page 89.  Check your answers in Path 1



How does a voltaic cell work? In Lesson 2.3 you investigated the activity series for metals and metal ions. The chart also described oxidation and reduction reactions. A voltaic cell uses oxidation and reduction reactions to transform chemical energy into electrical energy. 


This is a wonderful activity that will help you understand and remember voltaic cells.  Knowledge and skills required in this investigation will be assessed!    Doing it is well worth your time.  If you have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 1. If you do not have access to a supervised laboratory, do Path 2


Although voltaic cells that use two metals strips and two beakers of solutions containing metal ions do work, such an apparatus is not practical for use in everyday applications. You need a voltaic cell in a package that’s convenient and easy to handle. These are the dry cells that you buy for your digital camera or MP3 player.

  • Read “Voltaic Cells for Consumer Use” on page 93 of the textbook. Then, answer the Practice question 42 on page 94.

    Science 20 Textbook.  Alberta Education


  • Read “2.4 Summary” on page 94 of the textbook. Then, complete “2.4 Questions”.  Check your answers carefully with those below because the same or similar questions will be in the assignment or final assessment.

     

    Science 20 Textbook.  Alberta Education








    Go to Assignment 2.4: Using Voltaic Cells.