1. What is a half cell?
If a rod of metal is dipped into a solution of ions, an
equilibrium is set up. For example:

2. What is a half cell?
If a rod of metal is dipped into a solution of ions, an
equilibrium is set up. For example:
Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e-

3. What is a half cell?
If a rod of metal is dipped into a solution of ions, an
equilibrium is set up. For example:
Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e- zinc metal
strip
zinc sulfate
solution
(1 mol dm-3)

4. What is a half cell?
If a rod of metal is dipped into a solution of ions, an
equilibrium is set up. For example:
Zn(s) Zn2+(aq) + 2e- zinc metal
strip
zinc sulfate
solution
(1 mol dm-3)
This is a half cell and the strip of metal is an electrode.

5. What is a half cell?
The same can be done for any metal such as copper

6. What is a half cell?
The same can be done for any metal such as copper
Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e-

7. What is a half cell?
The same can be done for any metal such as copper
Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- copper metal
strip
Copper sulfate
solution
(1 mol dm-3)

8. What is a half cell?
The same can be done for any metal such as copper
Cu(s) Cu2+(aq) + 2e- copper metal
strip
Copper sulfate
solution
(1 mol dm-3)
This is a half cell and the strip of metal is an electrode.