What is the purpose of the salt bridge in a galvanic cell?

Question

It moves ions across the cells. I guess the real question would be why must they be moved.

If anyone has a good page that can boost my understanding of electrochemistry, I would appreciate it.

Answer 1

LOL, firstly i would suggest asking your teacher, (if you go to school), or reading a chemistry text book.

secondly, its a good idea to go to www.boredofstudies.org and go to chemistry there are heaps of topics im sure electrochemistry would be there.

otherwise go to the HSC online (google it) n go to chemistry they should have info aswell. How about going to you tube they sometimes have good videos explaining chemistry concepts...:-)

hope this helps!

Answer 2

to allow movement of the positive ions, in galvanic cell, electrons are moving from anode to cathode, leaving built-up of positive charges behind. salt bridge is used to balance the positive charges in the two half cells so that electrons would keep on moving.

Answer 3

if the ions do not move there is only buildup of energy and no discharge. The salt serves as a buffer-conductor.

Study the different methods by which batteries operate and you will be able to understand the rest.

Answer 4

The salt bridge exists to provide the electrical connection between the two reaction vessels while keeping the two reactions separate. The salt bridge allows the electron transfer between the two vessels.

A salt bridge can be a U-tube device filled with an electrolyte, such as potassium chloride. There are many examples of such a reaction, one being the modified Daniell cell. Others include dry cells, batteries, fuel cells, galvanic cells, and accumulators.