How Do Galvanic Cell Dynamics Change Upon Connection of an External Conductor?

[bdforbes]

I'd like to understand the dynamics of a galvanic cell in terms of fundamental physical principles, rather than the usual higher-level equilibrium chemistry explanation.

Specifically, how do the states of the electrodes, solutions and salt bridge evolve in the time immediately after the external conductor is connected? For that matter, what processes, if any, are occurring in each half cell if both the salt bridge and external conductor are disconnected?

I've been told that each electrode creates an electric field through the external conductor, which is opposed by the barrier at the end of the (disconnected) conductor. Is this accurate?

 

[LightHero]

If so, what happens when the external conductor is connected? To understand the dynamics of a galvanic cell in terms of fundamental physical principles, it is important to note that the cell consists of two half cells, each containing an electrode immersed in an electrolyte solution. The two half cells are connected by a salt bridge that allows the exchange of ions between them. When the external conductor is connected, the electric field created by the electrodes causes a current to flow through the circuit. This current consists of the movement of electrons from the negative electrode to the positive electrode. As the electrons move, they create a potential difference between the two electrodes, which drives the electrochemical reactions occurring in the half cells. The electrochemical reactions involve the transfer of electrons from one electrode to the other, and this is accompanied by the transfer of ions from the electrolyte solutions across the salt bridge. This ion transfer helps to maintain the electrical neutrality of the system by compensating for the electron transfer. As the electrochemical reactions proceed, the charge on the electrodes and the concentration of ions in the electrolyte solutions change, leading to further changes in the electric field and the current flowing through the circuit. If both the salt bridge and external conductor are disconnected, then the electric field created by the electrodes will be opposed by the barrier at the end of the conductor, and no current will flow through the circuit. However, the electrochemical reactions in the half cells will still continue, as there is still a potential difference between the two electrodes. The rate of these reactions may be slower than when the external conductor is connected, but they will still occur.