Hello! We covered the topics of thermodynamics and electrochemistry these past two weeks. I will start with thermodynamics.
I love thermodynamics. Everything makes sense in this chapter – probably because I have completed an upper-division thermodynamics and statistical mechanics class in my physics major – but I did not have any questions, and I do not feel as if I struggled with anything in this section. For the most part, I was able to complete the homework without consulting the video lectures or the internet at all for that matter. Regardless, I feel that this is one of my more favorite concepts in chemistry.
I also love electrochemistry. I had the privilege of completing the electrochemistry lab prior to actually starting the homework, so I had a hands-on idea of the concepts behind the problems being presented. The math was undeniably easy in this section, (E_cell = E_cathode – E_anode) but I feel that the homework and lab prepared me more conceptually for the subatomic processes within the voltaic cell. Essentially, a voltage is induced between two electrodes which have been submerged in aqueous ionic solutions. The collective charge of ions results in the oxidation or reduction of a metal electrode, inducing a potential into which electrons will flow, thus creating a current and voltage between the two electrodes. Again, I am very comfortable with electrochemistry and cannot wait for the test.
As for the exam, I do not have much on my note card – just a few equations for calculating E cell in relation to Gibbs Free Energy and a diagram for the electrochemical cell lest I forget it. (The lab quiz and practice exam had a ‘Draw the setup for an electrochemical cell’ question on it, so I am assuming the test will have something similar) Again, I feel very comfortable with this material and I cannot wait to take that test soon because I know I am going to absolutely kill it! Anyways, thanks for reading and wish me luck!
CHEM1810 Journal 