SRI CHAITANYA TECHNO SCHOOL,
BAVHDAN
Topic - Construction of a simple
electrochemical cell and EMF
measurement
[chemistry project for board practical]
Name of the student: Ketaki Kulkarni
Class: 12
Roll No. 6301536
Guided by: Arti Soni
CERTIFICATE
This is to certify that Ketaki Kulkarni, a
student of Class XII, has successfully completed the
investigatory project titled “Construction of a
Simple Electrochemical Cell and EMF
Measurement” under the guidance of the subject
teacher during the academic year 2025–2026, as
prescribed by the Central Board of Secondary
Education (CBSE).
This project is an original work carried out by the
student and is based on the prescribed syllabus
and laboratory practices of Class XII Chemistry.
Teacher’s Signature: ____________
School Seal: ____________
Date: ____________
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to express my sincere gratitude
to my Chemistry teacher for their constant
guidance, encouragement, and support
throughout the completion of this project. I
am also thankful to my school for providing
the necessary laboratory facilities.
I would like to acknowledge my parents and
friends for their moral support and
cooperation during the preparation of this
project.
INDEX
Sr.
Content Page No.
No.
1 Introduction 1
2 Aim of the Experiment 2
Theory of
3 3-5
Electrochemical Cells
Types of
4 6-11
Electrochemical Cells
5 EMF of a Cell 12-15
Construction of Simple
6 16
Electrochemical Cell
7 Materials Required 16
8 Experimental Setup 17
9 Procedure 17
10 Observations 17
11 Calculations 18
12 Result 18
13 Precautions 18
14 Sources of Error 18
Applications of
15 19
Electrochemical Cells
16 Conclusion 19
INTRODUCTION
Electrochemical cells play a vital role in modern
science and technology. They are devices that
convert chemical energy into electrical energy
through redox reactions. The study of
electrochemical cells helps us understand the
relationship between chemical reactions and
electricity.
In daily life, electrochemical cells are used in
batteries, fuel cells, corrosion prevention,
electroplating, and many industrial processes.
Measuring the electromotive force (EMF) of a cell
provides insight into the feasibility and efficiency of
chemical reactions.
This project focuses on the construction of a simple
electrochemical cell using metal electrodes and
electrolyte solutions, followed by the measurement
of its EMF.
AIM OF THE EXPERIMENT
1. To construct a simple electrochemical
cell
2. To measure the electromotive force that
is the EMF of the cell
3. To understand the working principle of
electrochemical cells
THEORY OF ELECTROCHEMICAL
CELLS
An electrochemical cell is a device that converts
chemical energy into electrical energy by means of a
redox (oxidation–reduction) reaction. These cells are
widely used in batteries, electroplating, corrosion
prevention, and various electrical devices.
In an electrochemical cell, two reactions occur
simultaneously:
Oxidation – loss of electrons
Reduction – gain of electrons
These reactions occur at different electrodes, allowing
the flow of electrons through an external circuit, which
produces electricity.
Components of an Electrochemical Cell
1. Electrodes
o Anode: Electrode where oxidation takes place
o Cathode: Electrode where reduction takes place
2. Electrolyte
o A solution or molten substance that contains
ions and allows the flow of electric current.
3. Salt Bridge
o A U-shaped tube containing an inert electrolyte
like KCl or KNO₃.
o It maintains electrical neutrality and
completes the circuit.
4. External Circuit
o A conducting wire through which electrons flow
from anode to cathode.
Working of an Electrochemical Cell
Oxidation occurs at the anode, releasing electrons.
Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through
the external wire.
Reduction occurs at the cathode by gaining
electrons.
The salt bridge allows ions to move to maintain
charge balance.
This continuous movement produces electric current.
Example: Daniell Cell
Construction
Zinc rod dipped in ZnSO₄ solution (anode)
Copper rod dipped in CuSO₄ solution (cathode)
Salt bridge connects both solutions
Cell Representation
Zn(s) | Zn²⁺(aq) || Cu²⁺(aq) | Cu(s)
Reactions
At anode (oxidation):
Zn → Zn²⁺ + 2e⁻
At cathode (reduction):
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu
Overall Reaction
Zn + Cu²⁺ → Zn²⁺ + Cu
Electrode Potential
The tendency of an electrode to lose or gain
electrons is called electrode potential.
It is measured relative to the Standard Hydrogen
Electrode (SHE).
Standard Electrode Potential (E°)
Measured at:
o 1 M concentration
o 1 atm pressure
o 298 K temperature
SHE has an electrode potential of 0.00 V.
TYPES OF ELECTROCHEMICAL
CELLS
1. GALVANIC (VOLTAIC) CELLS
Definition
A galvanic cell is an electrochemical cell in which
chemical energy is converted into electrical energy
by a spontaneous redox reaction
Construction
A typical galvanic cell consists of:
Two half-cells
Two electrodes (anode and cathode)
Electrolyte solutions
A salt bridge
An external circuit
Working
Oxidation occurs at the anode.
Reduction occurs at the cathode.
Electrons flow from anode to cathode through the
external circuit.
The salt bridge maintains electrical neutrality.
Characteristics of Galvanic Cells
Reaction is spontaneous
Anode is negative
Cathode is positive
Produces electrical energy
Applications
Dry cells
Batteries
Fuel cells
Power sources for electronic devices
2. ELECTROLYTIC CELLS
Definition
An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell in which
electrical energy is used to drive a non-
spontaneous chemical reaction
Construction
Two electrodes immersed in an electrolyte
Connected to an external power source (battery or
DC supply)
No salt bridge required
Working
Electrical energy forces electrons to move
Oxidation occurs at the anode
Reduction occurs at the cathode
Example: Electrolysis of Molten NaCl
Reactions
Cathode:
Na⁺ + e⁻ → Na
Anode:
2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
Characteristics of Electrolytic Cells
Reaction is non-spontaneous
Requires external electrical energy
Anode is positive
Cathode is negative
Applications
Electroplating
Electrorefining
Extraction of metals
Manufacture of chemicals
3. CONCENTRATION CELLS
Definition
A concentration cell is a galvanic cell in which both
electrodes are made of the same material, but the
electrolyte concentrations differ.
Principle
The difference in concentration of ions between the two
half-cells creates a potential difference.
Types of Concentration Cells
(a) Electrode Concentration Cell
Electrodes are identical
Electrolyte concentration is same
Pressure or activity of electrodes differs
(b) Electrolyte Concentration Cell
Electrodes are identical
Electrolyte concentrations differ
Example
Zn | Zn²⁺(C₁) || Zn²⁺(C₂) | Zn
Applications
Used in corrosion studies
Measurement of ion concentrations
4. FUEL CELLS
Definition
A fuel cell is a galvanic cell that converts chemical
energy of a fuel directly into electrical energy
continuously as long as fuel is supplied.
Example: Hydrogen–Oxygen Fuel Cell
Reactions
Anode:
2H₂ + 4OH⁻ → 4H₂O + 4e⁻
Cathode:
O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻ → 4OH⁻
Overall Reaction
2H₂ + O₂ → 2H₂O
Advantages
High efficiency
Pollution-free
Continuous supply of electricity
Applications
Spacecraft
Electric vehicles
Power stations
5. PRIMARY CELLS
Definition
Primary cells are non-rechargeable galvanic cells
where the reaction occurs only once.
Example: Dry Cell (Leclanché Cell)
Anode: Zinc container
Cathode: Carbon rod
Applications
Remote controls
Torches
Clocks
6. SECONDARY CELLS
Definition
Secondary cells are rechargeable cells where the
chemical reaction can be reversed.
Example: Lead-Acid Storage Battery
Reactions
During discharge and charge (reversible)
Applications
Automobiles
Inverters
UPS systems
7. CORROSION CELLS
Definition
A corrosion cell is a small electrochemical cell formed on
the surface of a metal leading to corrosion.
Example
Rusting of iron in moist air
Applications
Study and prevention of corrosion
ELECTROMOTIVE FORCE (EMF)
Definition
The electromotive force (EMF) of an electrochemical
cell is defined as the potential difference between the
two electrodes of the cell when no current is
flowing through the circuit.
It represents the maximum voltage that a cell can
provide and is measured under open-circuit
conditions.
Unit of EMF
The SI unit of EMF is volt (V).
Expression for EMF
The EMF of a cell is given by:
FACTORS AFFECTING EMF OF A CELL
The EMF of an electrochemical cell depends on the
following factors:
1. Nature of Electrodes
The EMF of a cell depends on the tendency of the
electrode materials to lose or gain electrons, i.e.,
their electrode potentials.
Metals with greater tendency to lose electrons
act as anodes.
Metals with greater tendency to gain electrons
act as cathodes.
Greater the difference in electrode potentials, higher
is the EMF.
Example:
The EMF of a Daniell cell (Zn–Cu) is higher than that of a
cell made of metals with closer electrode potentials.
2. Concentration of Electrolyte
The EMF of a cell depends on the concentration of ions
in the electrolyte solutions.
Change in ion concentration changes electrode
potential.
According to the Nernst equation, EMF varies
logarithmically with concentration.
Example:
If the concentration of Cu²⁺ ions in a Daniell cell
decreases, the EMF of the cell decreases.
3. Temperature
The EMF of a cell also depends on temperature.
Increase in temperature generally increases the EMF
slightly.
Temperature affects ion mobility and electrode
potentials.
For accurate EMF measurements, temperature is usually
kept at 298 K (25°C).
Standard EMF
The standard EMF (E°) of a cell is the EMF measured
under standard conditions:
Concentration = 1 M
Pressure = 1 atm
Temperature = 298 K
Measurement of EMF
EMF is measured using a voltmeter or
potentiometer.
A potentiometer is preferred as it measures EMF
without drawing current.
Difference Between EMF and Potential Difference
Potential
EMF
Difference
Measured when no Measured when
current flows current flows
Maximum voltage of
Less than EMF
a cell
Independent of Depends on
external circuit current and
Potential
EMF
Difference
resistance
Importance of EMF
Determines the feasibility of a chemical reaction
Used in calculating Gibbs free energy
Helps in designing batteries and fuel cells
CONSTRUCTION OF SIMPLE
ELECTROCHEMICAL CELL
A simple electrochemical cell can be constructed using:
Zinc electrode
Copper electrode
Zinc sulfate solution
Copper sulfate solution
The zinc rod acts as the anode and copper rod acts as the
cathode.
MATERIALS REQUIRED
Zinc rod
Copper rod
Zinc sulfate solution (1M)
Copper sulfate solution (1M)
Salt bridge (KCl solution)
Voltmeter
Connecting wires
Beakers
EXPERIMENTAL SETUP
Two beakers containing ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄ solutions are
taken. Zinc and copper electrodes are immersed in their
respective solutions. The two solutions are connected
using a salt bridge. The electrodes are connected
externally through a voltmeter.
PROCEDURE
1. Clean the zinc and copper electrodes properly.
2. Fill two beakers with ZnSO₄ and CuSO₄ solutions.
3. Immerse zinc rod in ZnSO₄ and copper rod in CuSO₄.
4. Connect the solutions using a salt bridge.
5. Connect the electrodes to a voltmeter.
6. Note the EMF reading.
OBSERVATIONS
CALCULATIONS
EMF of the cell:
EMF = E°(Cathode) – E°(Anode)
EMF = 0.34 – (–0.76)
EMF = 1.10 V
RESULT
The EMF of the constructed electrochemical cell is found
to be approximately 1.10 volts.
PRECAUTIONS
Electrodes should be clean
Concentration of solutions should be accurate
Salt bridge should function properly
Connections must be tight
SOURCES OF ERROR
Impurities in electrolyte
Temperature variations
Improper electrode contact
APPLICATIONS
Batteries
Electroplating
Corrosion prevention
Fuel cells
Industrial chemical processes
CONCLUSION
The construction of a simple electrochemical cell demonstrates the direct
conversion of chemical energy into electrical energy. The measured
EMF closely matches the theoretical value, validating the principles of
electrochemistry. This experiment enhances understanding of redox
reactions and their practical applications.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
1. NCERT Chemistry Textbook – Class XII
2. CBSE Laboratory Manual – Chemistry
3. Physical Chemistry by P. Bahadur