The word "electrochemistry" includes the prefix "electro-" which means "electricity" and the root word "chemistry" which means "the scientific study of the composition, properties, and reactions of matter." The first vowel in "electro-" is pronounced as "ɪ" (short i sound) and the second vowel in "chemistry" is pronounced as "ɛ" (short e sound). The stress is on the third syllable "chem" with the phonetic transcription /ɪˌlɛktrəʊˈkɛmɪstri/. This word describes the branch of chemistry that deals with the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions.
Electrochemistry is a branch of chemistry that deals with the study of the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. It focuses on the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions, and how one can be used to manipulate and control the other.
At its core, electrochemistry involves the study of chemical reactions that involve the transfer of electrons between substances. These reactions can occur in various systems, such as in solution (electrolytes) or at the interface between an electrode and an electrolyte, and they can be driven by an external electric potential (galvanic cells) or used to generate electrical energy (electrolytic cells).
One fundamental concept in electrochemistry is the half-reaction, which describes the transfer of electrons between reactants. Electrochemical reactions are typically classified into two broad categories: oxidation reactions, where electrons are lost, and reduction reactions, where electrons are gained. Reactions in which both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously are referred to as redox reactions.
Electrochemical processes find numerous applications in a wide range of fields. They are vital in energy storage systems, such as batteries and fuel cells, where chemical energy is converted into electrical energy. Electroplating is another important electrochemical process used for coating metals with a layer of another metal, enhancing corrosion resistance or for aesthetic purposes. Moreover, electrochemical sensors and biosensors are used for monitoring and measuring various chemical species in environmental, clinical, and industrial settings.
In summary, electrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that studies the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions, focusing on the interconversion of chemical and electrical energy. It plays a crucial role in numerous scientific and technological applications.
Chemical reaction effected by means of electricity.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "electrochemistry" has its roots in the Greek language.
The term "electro-" comes from the Greek word "ēlektron", which means "amber" or "electricity". This is because the ancient Greeks noticed that amber, when rubbed with certain materials, had the ability to attract small lightweight objects. They associated this phenomenon with the concept of electricity.
The second part of the word, "-chemistry", comes from the Greek word "khēmeia", which means "art of transmuting metals" or "alchemy". Alchemy was an ancient philosophical and proto-scientific tradition that aimed to transform different substances or elements into others. Over time, alchemy evolved into modern chemistry.
Hence, the term "electrochemistry" describes the branch of chemistry that deals with the study of the chemical and physical processes that involve the interaction between electricity and chemicals.