2
$\begingroup$

I made a battery like this.

$\ce{(-)Al|HCl,CuSO4|Cu(+)}$

By piling up 6 battery of this(actually I made this using 10 yen and 1 yen coins:10yen coin is Cu and 1 yen coin is Al.) I could turn on an LED light. The plausible reactions taking place at the cathode and the anode are as follows.

Anode: $\ce{Al ->Al^3+ + 3e^-}$
Cathode:$\ce{Cu^2+ +2e^- -> Cu}$ and $\ce{2H^+ + 2e^- -> H2}$ enter image description here

I have an question here. Why doesn't all the electrons released from Al reduce $\ce{Cu^2+}$ or $\ce{H^+}$ immediately at the anode site?

https://cs.kus.hokkyodai.ac.jp/tancyou/vol.40/enn.htm
This url shows the battery on which mine based. But I used paper wetted with HCl which contains CuSO4 , not NaCl saturated water like shown in the URL and picture above.

$\endgroup$
13
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Be aware that attempts of theoretical evaluation of voltage and potentials of galvanic cells involving Al anodes is opening the Pandora's box . $\endgroup$
    – Poutnik
    May 13 at 13:54
  • $\begingroup$ Could you draw a diagram of your cell and battery (collection of cells)? Also "10 yes and 1 yen coins" is not clear. What do you mean by this? $\endgroup$
    – ananta
    May 13 at 13:54
  • $\begingroup$ And aluminum metal reacts with both hydrochloric acid and copper sulfate solution. Your cell notation does not show any salt bridge, so I am guessing you used the different coins and suitably wetted paper or cardboard dividers. $\endgroup$
    – Ed V
    May 13 at 13:56
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I assume 10 yen coins are from copper and 1 yen coins from aluminium. // Some electrons released by anodic Al reduce H+ to H2 even directly at the anode. $\endgroup$
    – Poutnik
    May 13 at 13:56
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ I originally missed that there is a single electrolyte and cells have therefore wrong design, allowing Al to react with H+ and Cu^2+ directly, regardless being part of the galvanic cell settings. $\endgroup$
    – Poutnik
    May 14 at 4:11

0

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge that you have read and understand our privacy policy and code of conduct.

Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.