Electrochemistry: Principles and Applications in Thermodynamics

This lecture covers the fundamental concepts of electrochemistry, including electrochemical potential, oxidation and reduction reactions, and the Nernst potential. The instructor explains the electrochemical potential as a generalization of chemical potential, incorporating electrostatic energy. The lecture details oxidation and reduction processes, highlighting the reactions involving zinc and copper, and the role of electrodes in these reactions. The instructor also discusses the construction and functioning of the Daniell cell, illustrating how oxidation at the zinc anode and reduction at the copper cathode generate electric current. The Nernst equation is introduced to explain the relationship between concentration differences and electrochemical potential. Practical experiments, such as the deposition of copper on electrodes and the operation of a lemon battery, are demonstrated to reinforce theoretical concepts. The lecture concludes with applications of electrochemistry in various systems, emphasizing its relevance in thermodynamics and energy conversion processes.