To construct the galvanic cell illustrated above, the salt bridge was prepared by soaking a piece of cotton in 5.0MNaNO3 (aq) before placing it inside the U-shaped tube filled with distilled water. If the cotton was soaked in distilled water by mistake, which of the following best explains how the operation of the cell would be affected

Question

Esther Shelton

Chemistry

18 March, 00:30

To construct the galvanic cell illustrated above, the salt bridge was prepared by soaking a piece of cotton in 5.0MNaNO3 (aq) before placing it inside the U-shaped tube filled with distilled water. If the cotton was soaked in distilled water by mistake, which of the following best explains how the operation of the cell would be affected

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Answers (1)

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Wrigley · Answer 1

The cell reaction reaches equilibrium quickly and the cell emf becomes zero.

Explanation:

The purpose of a salt bridge is not to move electrons from the electrolyte, its main function is to maintain charge balance because the electrons are moving from one-half cell to the other.

A solution of a salt that dissociates easily is normally used. Water is ineffective at functioning as a salt bridge. Hence the effect stated in the answer.