Can an Electrochemical Cell Without a Conductor Produce Voltage?

AI Thread Summary
An electrochemical cell composed of two separate cups with metals and their ions can potentially produce a voltage even without a conductor, as each electrode may hold a slight charge creating a potential difference. However, the lack of a salt bridge or closed circuit means that while voltage might be measurable, no current will flow, leading to confusion in experimental validation. The discussion highlights differing opinions on whether voltage exists in an open circuit, with some referencing the analogy of charged capacitor plates to support the idea. Ultimately, the consensus remains unclear, as many electrochemical experiments necessitate a closed circuit for reliable results. The topic reflects ongoing debates in the field of electrochemistry regarding voltage measurement in open systems.
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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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