Can an Electrochemical Cell Without a Conductor Produce Voltage?

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SUMMARY

An electrochemical cell composed of two cups, each containing a metal, its ions, and an acidic component like H2SO4, can exhibit a measurable voltage even without a conductor connecting the two. While current cannot flow due to the open circuit, a potential difference exists between the electrodes due to their differing charges. This concept parallels the behavior of charged capacitor plates, which also maintain a voltage when disconnected from a power source. The discussion highlights the debate surrounding the necessity of a salt bridge for voltage measurement in electrochemical cells.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrochemical cells and their components
  • Knowledge of voltage and current concepts
  • Familiarity with acidic solutions like H2SO4
  • Basic principles of voltammetry
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrochemical potential and voltage measurement
  • Explore the role of salt bridges in electrochemical cells
  • Study the behavior of capacitors in open circuits
  • Investigate voltammetry techniques and their applications
USEFUL FOR

Students studying electrochemistry, educators explaining electrochemical concepts, and researchers interested in voltage measurement techniques in open circuits.

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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



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The Attempt at a Solution


i don't know :biggrin:
 
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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.
 

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