Do galvanic cells depend on distance?

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SUMMARY

Galvanic cells do not depend on the distance between electrodes for voltage output. The voltage remains constant regardless of the distance, as the electric field weakens but does not alter the cell's voltage. The contribution of each electrode, such as the hydrogen and copper electrodes, does not change the overall voltage when the distance is increased. Even significant changes in surface area of the electrodes do not affect the voltage produced by the galvanic cell.

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  • Understanding of galvanic cells and their components
  • Knowledge of electrochemistry principles
  • Familiarity with voltage and current concepts
  • Basic comprehension of electric fields in electrochemical systems
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This discussion is beneficial for chemistry students, electrochemists, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of galvanic cells and their operational characteristics.

Biker
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I have seen some sites say that it doesn't and other says the opposite. So let's see
h2vcudiag.gif

Source of the pic: Chemguide

Lets look at the hydrogen (Oxidation) half cell. If we assume that it contributes x volts until the electron reachs the copper, then no matter how big is the distance the voltage is going to be the same ( only the Electric field will be weak and the current will decrease)

However if we look at both cells together and try to move the copper away from the hydrogen and look at the contribution of the copper electrode, First opposing the current, by exerting a force in the other direction. So when you move it away, you are making the potential of the electrons in the platinum decrease.
So if we assume that the voltage at the copper electrode ( without the contribution of hydrogen) is y and the voltage at the hydrogen is z at the initial state then you move it away z will decrease so the difference will increase thus opposing the current moreIs this a explanation true?
 
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Any answer?
 
Biker said:
However if we look at both cells together and try to move the copper away from the hydrogen and look at the contribution of the copper electrode, First opposing the current, by exerting a force in the other direction. So when you move it away, you are making the potential of the electrons in the platinum decrease.
These are electrodes immersed in liquid electrolyte, and you're envisioning a tiny electrostatic repulsion between the plates due to the charges on each? I don't think that comes into the picture, but we'll see if someone can set you right.
 
NascentOxygen said:
These are electrodes immersed in liquid electrolyte, and you're envisioning a tiny electrostatic repulsion between the plates due to the charges on each? I don't think that comes into the picture, but we'll see if someone can set you right.
Nvm, Anyone who is reading this thread. I already figured it out

Thanks NascentOxygen
 
Last edited:
Even if you make the surface area of each electrode 100 times greater, a galvanic cell's voltage doesn't change.
 

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