Is this analogy of the electrodes in a battery right?

Click For Summary
SUMMARY

The discussion centers on the analogy of electrodes in a Daniell cell, specifically comparing the zinc electrode to a glass of water, where water molecules represent electrons. The analogy illustrates that the full glass signifies the charge of the zinc electrode, and overflowing indicates the release of electrons. Participants suggest incorporating a pump and control valve to represent electron flow, emphasizing that zinc does not remain negatively charged as it readily loses electrons to become Zn²⁺ during redox reactions.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of electrochemistry concepts, particularly redox reactions.
  • Familiarity with the Daniell cell and its components.
  • Knowledge of electron flow and charge dynamics in electrochemical cells.
  • Basic grasp of analogies in scientific explanations.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the principles of electrochemistry and redox reactions in detail.
  • Explore the construction and function of the Daniell cell.
  • Learn about electron flow mechanisms in electrochemical systems.
  • Investigate effective analogies for complex scientific concepts.
USEFUL FOR

Students of chemistry, educators explaining electrochemistry, and anyone interested in understanding the principles of electrochemical cells and their analogies.

cele
Messages
9
Reaction score
0
In a zinc / copper danielle cell could we say that the Zinc electrode is like a glass of water (water molecules are electrons) The full glass of water reprenst the charge of the zinc electrode and when you try to fill it with more water it overflows (electrons leave the zinc electrode)
 
Physics news on Phys.org
You would need to provide an equivalent analogy for the other electrode. I can’t think of one that follows quite as nicely as for the zinc.
You would perhaps add a pump and a control valve which allows an electron in at the bottom for every one that leaves the top, perhaps according to the pressure inside.
 
I meant do the zinc hold a certain amount of electrons to become negatively charged
When we learned about redox reactions they say that zinc gives electrons instantly as it becomes zn2+ thus the zinc is never negatively charged
 

Similar threads

Potential across a battery cell change ion concentrations and electron flow
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
3K
Undergrad Trigger for a Zn oxidation reaction in a battery
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
2K
Undergrad Simple Voltaic Cell: Alessando Volta's Electrolytic Cell
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
7K
Undergrad How a Battery creates a Potential difference in an electrical current
  • · Replies 14 ·
Replies
14
Views
6K
Trigger for a Zn oxidation reaction in a battery Reference
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
High School Do galvanic cells depend on distance?
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K
Galvanic cell - open circuit voltage and EMF
  • · Replies 23 ·
Replies
23
Views
6K
Understanding Galvanic Cells: Zinc and Copper Electrodes Explained"
  • · Replies 20 ·
Replies
20
Views
4K
High School Understanding Batteries: Anode, Cathode, Electrolyte
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
4K
Calculation of absolute electrode potential and salt bridge qns
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K