Can an Electrochemical Cell Without a Conductor Produce Voltage?

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around whether an electrochemical cell, consisting of two separate cups with metals and their ions, can produce a measurable voltage without a connecting conductor. The scope includes theoretical considerations and practical implications related to electrochemistry.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Homework-related

Main Points Raised

  • One participant suggests that there will be a voltage present due to the slight charge difference between the electrodes.
  • Another participant expresses uncertainty, questioning if there is indeed a voltage without a conductor.
  • A different viewpoint indicates that voltage may not be measurable without a salt bridge, referencing a teacher's opinion.
  • One participant draws an analogy to a charged capacitor, arguing that a measurable voltage exists even when the circuit is open.
  • Several participants mention a lack of experimental evidence or sources to support their claims, noting that traditional electrochemistry experiments require closed circuits.
  • Concerns are raised about how to address disagreements with authority figures, such as teachers, regarding these concepts.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing opinions on whether voltage can be detected in the absence of a conductor, with some asserting it is possible while others believe it is not. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing views.

Contextual Notes

Participants acknowledge limitations in their understanding and the need for further evidence or experimentation to clarify the situation. There is a reliance on analogies and personal interpretations rather than established experimental results.

tmn50
Messages
30
Reaction score
0

Homework Statement


let's say we have an electrochemical cell composed of 2 cups each cup contain a metal and the ions of that metal and an acidic componment like H2so4 the two cups arent attached with any kind of conductor
if we try to measure the voltage with a voltmeter would it detect any ? if we use an ampermetere of course it will be 0 cause the thing is open but what about voltage?


Homework Equations



blank

The Attempt at a Solution


i don't know :biggrin:
 
Physics news on Phys.org
any ideas?
 
IMHO there will be a voltage present, as each electrode is slightly charged - and charges are different, so there must be a potential difference.
 
IMHO so that's not sure ?
 
I am sure.

What I am not sure is whether others will agree. As far as I can tell these are murky waters with many interpretations. Or at least I have seen heated debates over details, so I am not going to be surprised if others will disagree with me.
 
I have to agree on this because on of my teachers said it won't show any voltage because threre is no salt bridge although I tried to explain that voltage doesn't need current but he didn't agree :cry: so I'm stuck
 
That's exactly the problem.

You can try to ask the teacher if there is a voltage between capacitor plates once it was charged and disconnected from the battery - obviously there is a measurable voltage, even if the circuit is not closed. It doesn't have to work.
 
I wouldn't care if he believe me or not I only want to know since I couldn't do the experiment by my self :biggrin:
 
btw did you try this expirement or do you have a source you know so I can back myself up
 
  • #10
Never tried, no source. All electrochemistry experiments I ever did required closed circuits. When the circuit was open, there was no experiment.

Then in voltammetry you have no much choice.
 
  • #11
Borek said:
Never tried, no source. All electrochemistry experiments I ever did required closed circuits. When the circuit was open, there was no experiment.

Then in voltammetry you have no much choice.

:bugeye::eek::cry:
how will I face him than ?
 
  • #12
You are left with a capacitor analogy.
 

Similar threads

  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
Replies
4
Views
2K
Replies
2
Views
9K
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Replies
2
Views
2K
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Replies
1
Views
8K
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
3K