Q21.24P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What purpose does the salt bridge serve in a voltaic cell, and how does it accomplish this purpose?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

The purpose of the salt bridge in a voltaic cell is to preserve electrical neutrality, which is achieved via ion movement through the salt bridge.

Step 1: Definition of Chemical Change and Electrical Work

Electrochemistry is a discipline of physical chemistry concerned with the relationship between electrical potential as a quantifiable and quantitative phenomena and recognizable chemical change, with electrical potential as an outcome of a specific chemical change or vice versa.

Step 2: Purpose of salt-bridge in a voltic cell

A salt bridge in a voltaic cell serves as a junction that joins the two compartments of the cell. A salt bridge's primary role is to maintain electrical neutrality within the internal circuit.

It also aids in the prevention of the reaction reaching equilibrium.

The movement of ions through the salt bridge is responsible for maintaining electrical neutrality in the cell. Negative ions migrate to the anode to compensate for positive ion production, whereas positive ions migrate to the cathode to compensate for positive ion consumption.