Electrochemical cells misconception buster

This resource accompanies the CPD article Teaching electrochemistry at post-16 in Education in Chemistry, where you will find tips, common misconceptions and further ideas for building student understanding of how electrochemical cells work.

Learning objectives

1.  Describe how to set up an electrochemical cell, including:
   1. The function and use of a salt bridge.
   2. The relative positions of half cells according to their  E ^° values.
   3. The use of a platinum electrode where necessary.
   4. The components and use of the standard hydrogen electrode.
2. Write and apply the conventional representation of an electrochemical cell.
3. Use E ^° values to predict the direction of simple redox reactions.
4. Calculate the EMF (E_cell) and use this value to predict the feasibility of the cell.

How to use this resource 

Activity 1 consists of 20 multiple choice questions. Instruct learners to read each question carefully, using the diagrams and data provided to tick an answer. There is one correct answer per question.

After learners mark the multiple choice questions either by peer or self-assessing, they will complete the relevant follow-up tasks to target areas for improvement and increase their understanding of certain topics. If appropriate, guide learners to follow-up tasks based on misconceptions you have already identified throughout the course or for further practice if they get 20/20 on the quiz. Activity 2 is fully differentiated for learners to target their own misconceptions identified from the multiple choice quiz.

There is also an extension task to challenge learners after completing Activities 1 and 2. Find the answers to all of the questions in the teacher notes. 

Extension opportunities 

Non-rechargeable and rechargeable cells are not explicitly covered in this task. Encourage learners to read the EiC article Batteries and electrochemical cells article as an introduction. As a follow-up activity, use the lead–acid accumulator cell practical to either introduce or revise these concepts.