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Daniel Cell

Daniel Cell

Daniel Cell

Original price was: KSh 2,100.00.Current price is: KSh 1,608.00.

In stock

Original price was: KSh 2,100.00.Current price is: KSh 1,608.00.

  • Two half-cells: Zinc & copper electrodes in separate solutions.
  • Salt bridge: Connects solutions, allows ion flow, minimizes mixing.
  • Zinc anode: Oxidation (Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻) generates electrons.
  • Copper cathode: Reduction (Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu) consumes electrons.
  • Reduced hydrogen gas: Copper sulfate solution prevents H₂ gas formation.
  • Longer lifespan and improved efficiency: Compared to Voltaic pile.

Description

Daniel Cell

Daniel cell, invented in 1836 by British chemist John Frederic Daniell, is a type of electrochemical cell that revolutionized early battery technology. It addressed a critical limitation of the existing Voltaic pile, the first practical battery: the problem of hydrogen gas evolution.

Design and Functionality:

  • Two Half-Cells: The Daniel cell consists of two separate compartments, each containing a different electrode and electrolyte solution.
    • Anode: A zinc rod immersed in a zinc sulfate (ZnSO₄) solution.
    • Cathode: A copper rod immersed in a copper sulfate (CuSO₄) solution.
  • Salt Bridge: A porous bridge, typically made of clay or unglazed earthenware, separates the two compartments. This bridge allows the flow of ions (charged particles) between the solutions while minimizing mixing of the solutions themselves.

Chemical Reactions and Electricity Generation:

  • Anode Reaction: At the anode (zinc electrode), zinc metal (Zn) is oxidized, losing electrons and dissolving into the solution as zinc ions (Zn²⁺).
    • Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻
  • Cathode Reaction: At the cathode (copper electrode), copper ions (Cu²⁺) from the copper sulfate solution gain the electrons flowing through the external circuit and are deposited as metallic copper (Cu) on the electrode.
    • Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
  • Electron Flow: Electrons flow from the zinc electrode (oxidation) through an external circuit to the copper electrode (reduction), generating an electric current.
  • Salt Bridge: The salt bridge plays a crucial role. It allows the flow of sulfate ions (SO₄²⁻) from the copper sulfate solution to the zinc sulfate solution to maintain electrical neutrality in each compartment. This prevents a buildup of charge that would hinder the flow of current.

Advantages of the Daniel Cell:

  • Reduced Hydrogen Gas Evolution: Unlike the Voltaic pile, the Daniel cell minimizes the production of hydrogen gas at the copper electrode. The copper sulfate solution readily accepts electrons for copper deposition, preventing the reduction of water (H₂O) to hydrogen gas (H₂) which occurred in the Voltaic pile.
  • Longer Lifespan: By eliminating the problematic hydrogen gas evolution, the Daniel cell offered a more stable and longer-lasting source of electricity compared to its predecessor.
  • Improved Efficiency: The efficient copper sulfate reduction reaction and the separation of electrolytes led to a more efficient generation of electricity.

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