A galvanic cell runs for 1.0 minute with a current of 0.20 A. How much charge passed through the cell in that time? (F = 96,500 C/mol)

Question

For Gen chem 2 electrochemistry unit!

Answer 1

The question asks for the amount of CHARGE. Charge is given in units of COULOMBS (C). Based on the information provided, we can only conduct the following calculation...

Conversion factors needed:

1 min = 60 sec

1 amp = 1 C/sec

0.2 amps x 1 C/sec/amp x 60 sec = 12 C (12 coulombs) of charge

Answer 2

We know that amps is in C/s, so we can use that to start our dimensional analysis:

(0.2 C/s) x (60 s) x (1 mol e-/96,500 C) = 1.2*10^-3 mol e-

If we know the specific element (or metal) of interest, then could add in the molar ratio and molecular weight conversion factors to our dimensional analysis to solve for moles or grams of element.