SOME PROBLEMS IN TEACHING ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Abstract

This paper presents some problems in teaching electrochemistry subjects to students as well as the electrochemical knowledge in the high school chemistry program. Some concepts such as electrode and standard electrode potential measurement, electrochemical cells, electrolysis and corrosion need to be clarified. The standard electrode potential is based on the convention of IUPAC and uses hydrogen electrode as the comparative electrode; the hydrogen electrode is on the left and the measuring electrode is on the right. The electromotive force (emf) of the cell is the difference of right electrode potential and left electrode potential. The overpotential is very important in explaining the oxidation – reduction at electrodes. The corrosion of pure metal in acid solutions is the electrochemical corrosion. The corrosion of a metal with inclusions of other metal is the result of the operation of local cells.