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Nelson Education > School > Secondary Science > Chemistry 12 College Prep > Student Centre > Web Links > Unit 5
 

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UNIT 5: ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Click on a section below for related Web activities:
  5.1 Oxidation-Reduction Reactions
  5.2 Redox Reactions of Nonmetals
  5.4 The Activity Series of Metals
  5.7 Galvanic Cells
  5.9 Consumer Cells and Batteries
  5.10 EXPLORE AN ISSUE: Should Ni-Cd Batteries Be Banned?
  5.11 TECH CONNECT: Hydrogen Fuel Cells
  5.12 Corrosion
  5.13 CASE STUDY: Piercing Problems
  5.15 Preventing Corrosion
  5.17 Electrolytic Cells
  5.18 Application of Electrolysis
  Unit 5 Review

 

 

 

Section 5.1 Career Connection

p. 374

(i)   Research two careers in photography, other than a film-processing technician. Use your findings to prepare a newspaper "want ad" for each career.

             

Photography Career: Nature of Work

This page describes what photographers do, and how recent advances in electronic technology have changed the duties and skills of photographers.

Career Matters

This site outlines the job description, required education, specific duties, and possible opportunities for careers in photography, including film and video camera operators, producers, directors, choreographers, and commercial divers. It also provides a link that lists recommended high school courses students should take to prepare them for these careers.

 

 

(iv) Film speed is an important consideration when purchasing film. Research how "fast" and "slow" films differ.

Kodak: Film Speed

This site provides information about film speed, the International Standards Organization, the meaning of the ISO film speed number, and how film speed is measured.

             

Understanding Film Speed

This page describes how to select a film speed according to various situations, such as outdoor, indoor with flash, low light with flash, flash action, or low light.

 

p. 378

8.   Research how photographic images are produced using black and white film (Figure 6 ). Identify the redox reaction that is involved in forming the image.

How Photographic Film Works

This site describes how photographic film works, the role of light and energy, what happens when a picture is taken, and how film is developed.

Basics of Photography

This site explains how a photograph is made, how photographic materials are processed and tested, and the structure of these photographic materials.

Chemistry of Photography

This site provides a brief history of black and white silver halide photographs, describes the photochemistry of silver salts, and outlines the redox reactions involved in the silver halide process.

             

Photography & Chemistry

This site describes the development of photography, the structure and function of black and white and colour film, and the various techniques and forms of photography.

 

9. (a)   Have you ever felt an ache in your legs while running? It is caused by a buildup of lactic acid in your muscle tissue. The body produces lactic acid during the oxidation of glucose. Research the conditions under which lactic acid is produced.

(b) Long-distance runners use a value called lactic acid threshold (or lactate threshold ) to help them avoid lactic acid buildup. Research the lactic acid threshold. Explain how runners use this value when training and competing.

Lactic Acid/Lactate Threshold

This page describes lactic acid burn, and how lactate threshold is determined and can be physiologically optimized.

                   

Lactic Acid: Friend or Foe?

This paper describes the metabolic functions of lactic acid, relates these functions to recovery from exercise, and discusses the positive and negative characteristics of lactic acid.

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Section 5.2 Questions

p. 384

7.   Hydrogen peroxide is an oxidizer that is commonly used in tooth-whitening products (Figure 6).

(a) Research how tooth whitening is performed in a dental office. What is the approximate cost of this procedure?

(b) Research tooth-whitening products that are designed for use at home. How are they used, and how much do they cost?

(c) Create a table to compare the dental office procedure for tooth whitening with the home procedure. Use several criteria when making your comparison

 

Tooth Whitening

This site explains the four methods of tooth whitening offered by 21st Century Dentistry. The cost of each procedure is also listed for comparison.

Tooth Bleaching

This page describes the two methods of tooth bleaching: laser bleaching, and at-home tooth-bleaching kits.

 

 

8. Ammonium thioglycolate is a chemical used in some hair-straightening products. Research and prepare a poster on the redox changes that occur when ammonium thioglycolate is applied to hair.       

 

Thermal Reconditioning

This article presents information on the chemical process of hair straightening, and describes each of the chemicals involved in the process.

Permanent Waves

This report provides detailed descriptions of the hair curling and hair straightening processes. It also gives the redox reaction involved in these procedures.

 

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Section 5.4 Questions

p. 390

 

9. The Thermite process is a very exothermic reaction that involves aluminum and iron(III) oxide, Fe 2 O 3(s) ( Figure 4 ).

(a) Write a balanced chemical equation for this reaction.

(b) Search the Internet for a video clip of this reaction.

(c) Research and describe at least one potential application of

     this reaction.

 

The Thermite Reaction

This page describes the Thermite reaction, including the chemical equation of the process. It also provides a virtual demonstration of the reaction, and the safety instructions for this laboratory exercise.

 

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Section 5.7 Questions

p. 400

9.   In the late 1780s, the Italian anatomist Luigi Galvani (after whom the galvanic cell is named) reported a startling discovery. While dissecting the leg muscle of a dead frog, Galvani noticed that the leg suddenly twitched! This effect happened only when the leg muscle came in contact with two different metals. Research and summarize how Galvani interpreted his discovery. Was he correct?

 

Alessandro Volta And The Electric Battery

This site describes the contribution of Alessandro Volta to the advancement of our knowledge about electricity. It also discusses Galvani's accidental discovery of animal electricity and the controversy that soon followed.

 

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p. 400

Section 5.7 Questions

10.   Many pH meters contain electrodes that sense the hydrogen ion concentration of a solution and then convert this information into a pH reading. Research and report on how a pH meter works.

The pH Measurement Information Resource

This site provides information on the theory and practical application of pH measurements. It also provides a pH guide that discusses how different pH meters work, and how to choose the most appropriate pH electrode based on specific parameters.

pH Meter Instructional Manual

This page describes what the pH meter does, how to take precise measurements, and how to calibrate the pH measuring electrode.

 

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Section 5.9 Questions

 

p. 408

12. Some batteries have colour-changing testers (Figure 9). Research how these testers work.

The Duracell Battery Tester

This page describes the structure of a Duracell battery tester and how it works.

             

How do the battery testers on battery packages work?

This page describes how battery testers work using thermochromic and conductive inks.

 

13. Battery manufacturers are beginning to print cell capacities on their packaging. An AA nickel metal hydride cell, for example, has a capacity of  1300 mAh. Research what this value means. Report to your classmates on how your findings might affect the choices you make when buying batteries.

             

Power Stream Battery Chemistry FAQ

This page discusses different battery designs currently used, the chemistry involved, and advantages and disadvantages of each design. Also included are definitions of important terms and units, such as AH and mAH.

 

 

14. Some batteries suffer from "memory effect." Research how this property affects the life of a cell and how it can be prevented.

             

                 

The Mysterious Memory Effect of Rechargeable Batteries

This article introduces the phenomenon of memory effect and what causes it.

             

Memory Effect

This page briefly describes the memory capacity of Ni-Cd batteries, and how batteries can be conditioned to help increase the usable capacity of the battery.

 

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Section 5.10 Take a Stand

p. 410

(a) Ni-Cd batteries are very popular. What are the alternatives to

     banning them?

(b) Suggest ways in which Canadians could phase out the use of

     Ni-Cd batteries.

(c) Research the pros and cons of Ni-Cd batteries. Organize your

     findings in a table.

Be sure to record the sources of your information.

 

Nickel Cadmium Battery

This site briefly outlines the pros and cons of nickel-cadmium batteries and the chemistry of the battery.

 

Hey! Don't throw that "nicad" battery in the household trash!

This page discusses the effects of cadmium on the body and on the environment. It suggests ways in which Ni-Cd batteries can be properly disposed of in order to reduce the amount of cadmium in the environment.

 

Batteries

This page discusses the benefits of using rechargeable batteries, describes the two main types, namely nickel-cadmium and nickel metal hydride, and emphasizes the importance of proper disposal of these batteries.

 

The NiCd and NiMH Story or The Care and Feeding of Batteries

This page provides information about the chemistry of nickel-cadmium, nickel metal hydride, and lithium batteries, the memory effect, and the life cycle of a battery.

 

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Tech Connect 5.11 Questions

 

p. 411

5. One solution to the hydrogen storage problem is to make hydrogen as it is needed. A reformer is such a device. Research how reformers can be used to produce hydrogen.

How Fuel Processors Work

This page describes the purpose of the fuel processor, how the fuel processor and fuel cell work together, and how the steam reformer uses methanol and natural gas to produce hydrogen.

 

6. Iceland has ambitious plans to be the first nation to replace all its use of fossil fuels with "clean" hydrogen. Research how Iceland plans to produce the hydrogen it will need.

Hydrogen Economy

This BBC News article describes Iceland's plan to cease the burning of fossil fuels and transform itself into the world's first "hydrogen economy." These plans could cut Iceland's greenhouse gas emissions in half.

Will Fuel Cells Make Iceland the "Kuwait of the North"?

This article describes Iceland's quest for an alternative to petroleum products-a cleaner strategy that will not only reduce greenhouse gases, but also alleviate the uncertainty caused by political unrest in the Middle East.

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Section 5.12 Career Connection

p. 415

(ii)        Lead-based solder was commonly used to join copper

            piping until the late  1980s. Why was it banned?

(iii)       Consult a plumbing contractor in your area to find out   

            about future employment trends, as well as current

            requirements for apprenticeship programs in this field.

 

Contamination from Lead Solder Used on Household Water Pipes Can Be Toxic to Infants & Children, According to ACE DuraFlo Systems

This article describes how lead seeps into drinking water and the serious health risk that high levels of lead and copper in water pose to human health. As a result, in 1986, action was taken by the U.S. Environmental Protection agency.

Humber College--Plumber Apprenticeship

This page describes the plumber apprenticeship program at Humber College, including admission requirements, curriculum, and employment opportunities for graduates.

Conestoga College-Plumber Apprenticeship

This page describes the plumber apprenticeship program at Conestoga College, the program objectives, registration information, and general information about apprenticeship.

 

 

p. 416

 

10.   When RMS Titanic was discovered at the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean, scientists were surprised that there was not more corrosion damage.

(a) Identify two factors that may have slowed the corrosion of Titanic .

(b) Conduct a search of the Internet to check your prediction.

Discovery

This page describes the discovery of RMS Titanic , why the ship sank, and where its different components were found. It also discusses the type and quality of steel used in Titanic 's design and the role it played in its demise.

Feasibility of Replacing Structural Steel with Aluminum Alloys in the Shipbuilding Industry

This paper discusses the advantages and disadvantages of using steel with aluminum alloys in the ship building industry. Learn about the materials used in constructing Titanic and how they influenced its resistance to corrosion.

 

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Case Study 5.13 Questions

 

p. 419

7.   In 2002, neither training nor qualifications were required to work as a body piercer or a tattoo artist. Do you feel that people who are doing these jobs should be trained? In your opinion, what specific training should they have? Explain your answers.

Body Art: The story behind tattooing and piercing in Canada

This article explains the risks involved in ear and body piercing and tattoos, how consumers can minimize the risks, and Health Canada's health and safety guidelines that regulate tattoo parlours and piercing studios.

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Section 5.15 Questions

p. 426

9.    Galvalume is a new type of steel that has excellent

       corrosion resistance.   

       Research and prepare a brief summary of

(a) the ingredients in a Galvalume coating
(b) what Galvalume is used for

Galvalume

This page describes the percentage composition by weight of Galvalume, and the coating that provides this material with superior corrosion resistance.

             

Galvalume Sheet

This product page describes Galvalume steel sheets, the continuous hot-dip process, and the sheet coating that enhances corrosion prevention.

 

 

(c) Research the career of a materials engineering technologist or a related career in metallurgy. Write a report that includes

  • the personal skills required;
  • the educational background and length of study required to work in this field;
  • two examples of programs offered by educational institutions that could lead to work in this field;
  • salary and working conditions.

Mohawk College-Materials Engineering Technology

This page provides information about the materials engineering technology program at Mohawk College, including program objectives, job descriptions, career opportunities, admission requirements, the application process, and program of study.

Northern College-Co-op Welding Engineering Technology

This page describes the co-op welding engineering technology program at Northern College, admission requirements, employment opportunities, courses, and program description.


 

11. Many boats spend most of their time in salt water. The metal components of these boats, particularly the propellers, are prime candidates for corrosion. A device called the "Mercathode Protection System" has been developed to reduce the rate of corrosion. Research this device on the Internet, and prepare an illustrated report of your findings.

 

Galvanization Protection

This article explains how the Mercathode system is designed to protect immersed metal on boats against galvanic corrosion.

             

Mercury Precision Care Products

This page describes a variety of products available for the maintenance and protection of powerboats, including the Mercathode Protection System.

 

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Section 5.17 Questions

p. 432

8. Some restorers of jewellery and antique objects use electrolysis to clean corroded silver (Figure 4). Research the process they use. Prepare a brief summary of your findings.

Silver Conservation

This site describes how silver can be treated to remove corrosion layers. It also discusses the conservation alternatives for cleaning silver and silver alloys, including galvanic cleaning, electrolytic reduction, alkaline dithionite treatment, chemical cleaning, stabilization, and consolidation.

The ECU Conservator's Cookbook

This page describes the different methods used to clean corroded silver, and the stabilization and consolidation processes that conserve the original surface layer of silver.   

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Section 5.18 Career Connection

 

p. 437

(i) Find at least one post-secondary institution that provides specific training to become an environmental technician.

(ii) What are the minimum academic requirements to get into the program? 

(iii) What other career paths are available with this training?

 

Sault College: Environmental Technician-Water

This site is a program information brochure for the two-year co-op education Environmental Technician program at Sault College. It provides information on minimum academic requirements, program of study, course description, and career paths for graduates.

Fleming College: Environmental Technician Program

This page describes the Environmental Technician program at Fleming College, the courses offered, the admission requirements, and the career opportunities available to graduates.

Mohawk College:   Environmental Technician Program

This page allows you to choose from a list of programs offered by Mohawk College, including the two-year diploma program in Environmental Technology. Also listed are admission requirements and courses offered by the department.

 

p. 439

 

15.   Search the Internet for the Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) for chromium(VI) oxide, commonly called chromium trioxide. You will need this document to answer the following questions.

(a) Imagine that you are a new employee in a chrome electroplating plant. You need to become familiar with the properties of chromium trioxide. Identify three possible health effects of exposure to chromium trioxide that are given on the MSDS.

(b) The toxicity of a chemical is expressed by a LD 50 rating found on its MSDS. An LD 50 rating is the quantity of a substance that researchers estimate would kill 50% of a particular species, such as rats, if exposed to this quantity of the substance. What is the LD 50 rating for chromium trioxide?

(c) Rubbing alcohol is poisonous, having an LD 50 rating of 5800 mg/kg. Some Canadians have either died or suffered serious injuries from accidentally drinking rubbing alcohol. Chromium trioxide, however, is even more toxic. Calculate approximately how much more toxic chromium trioxide is, compared with rubbing alcohol.

Material Safety Data Sheet-Chromium trioxide

This Material Safety Data Sheet provides information about chromium trioxide, including its ingredients, physical and chemical properties, stability and reactivity, hazards and toxicity, exposure control, and first-aid measures.

 

 

16. (a) Vapour deposition is a new technique of coating one metal with another. Research how vapour deposition works.   

(b) Identify some consumer products that are plated using vapour deposition.

                

         

Chemical Vapour Deposition

This University of Waterloo lecture slide show defines chemical vapour deposition (CVD), and describes the process using diagrams. Also included are the different types of CVD, and their applications.

 

Physical Vapour Deposition

This article discusses how physical vapour deposition (PVD) works, including what PVD coatings are used for, and the advantages and disadvantages of the PVD process.

  

Appealing mirrorlike bottle

This page describes the mirrorlike bottle, one application of physical vapour deposition (PVD). Learn more about physical vapour deposition, chemical vapour deposition, and plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition.

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Unit 5 Review

p. 447

30. (a)   Describe why using salt on roads promotes the rusting of

            automobiles.

      (b)   Describe some environmental problems related to the

             use of road salt.

      (c)   Research some more environmentally friendly  

             alternatives to salt.

Road salt as environmental concerns

This Environment Canada Web site addresses the environmental concerns about the continued use of road salt on Canadian roads. It discusses issues such as contamination of bodies of water, and the impact of road salt on plants and animals.

Science Assessment Finds Road Salts Toxic to the Environment

This Web site contains an archived report from Environment Canada. Rather than simply raising potential problems with road salt use, this report quantifies the problem by naming specific toxins, and estimating how much damage they are actually doing to our environment.

             

Smart Roads Mean Safe Roads

This Environment Canada Web site discusses the installation of many hi-tech Road Weather Information Systems, which regularly monitor road surfaces to forecast anti-icing needs for roads. The key to this paper is the goal to lay road salt or brine down on roads before ice begins to accumulate.

 

 

32. Consider the reaction of magnesium with dry ice (solid carbon dioxide):

       2 Mg (s) + CO 2(g) à 2 MgO (s) + C (s)

(a) Identify the reactant oxidized and the reactant reduced in this reaction.
(b) Find and observe a demonstration of this reaction on the Internet. Record your observations.
(c) Use your observations to explain why compressed carbon dioxide fire extinguishers cannot be used to extinguish a magnesium fire.
(d) A magnesium fire is an example of what firefighters refer to as a Class D fire. Research the recommended way to put out a Class D fire.

Reaction of Magnesium with Carbon Dioxide

This movie shows the reaction of magnesium with dry ice, a demonstration that would normally be difficult to set up.   

 

      

33. (a)Research what substances are present in different

          grades of gold, besides gold itself.

     (b) Why are other substances added to gold?

     (c) What kinds of gold would you recommend that people

            with nickel allergies should avoid? Explain your

           reasoning.

The Colors of Gold

Find out what the difference is between yellow gold, white gold, green gold, and rose gold. Learn about the other metals added to pure gold that influence its durability and appearance.

                   

Types of Gold

This site provides an overview of gold, the types of metals added to make gold alloys, and explains karat content of gold.

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