disneychannel said:Homework Statement
What will the affect be on the potential of the cell if salt bridge isn't wetted?
If the salt bridge isn't wetted with KNO3 how would it affect the measured potential of the cell
2. The attempt at a solution
So I thought that the potenital will be more negative because since the electrons can not go across the bridge this wouldn't be spontaneous and would have a negative Ecell charge?
Dry salt bridges play a crucial role in maintaining the flow of ions in a galvanic cell. Without a salt bridge, the buildup of charge on each electrode would eventually prevent the reaction from continuing. The salt bridge allows ions to move from one half-cell to the other, balancing out the charges and maintaining a constant potential difference between the two electrodes.
The main purpose of a dry salt bridge in a galvanic cell is to maintain electrical neutrality. As the reaction progresses, positive and negative charges build up on the electrodes, which can hinder the flow of electrons. The salt bridge allows ions to move between the two half-cells, preventing this buildup and allowing the reaction to continue.
The type of salt used in the salt bridge can affect the cell potential in a galvanic cell. This is because different salts have different ion mobilities, which can impact the rate at which ions move through the bridge. Generally, salts with higher ion mobilities will have a smaller impact on the cell potential, as they allow ions to move more freely between the two half-cells.
In most cases, a dry salt bridge can be replaced with a wet salt bridge in a galvanic cell. However, it is important to note that a wet salt bridge can introduce additional variables, such as the concentration and volume of the electrolyte solution, which can affect the cell potential. It is recommended to use a dry salt bridge unless specified otherwise in the experimental procedure.
Temperature can have a significant impact on the effectiveness of a dry salt bridge in a galvanic cell. As temperature increases, the rate of ion movement also increases, which can affect the rate of charge balancing in the cell. It is important to control and monitor temperature in a galvanic lab experiment to ensure accurate and consistent results.