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ACTIVITY in Redox Reaction. Last updated October 17, 2016.

Activity

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Submitted by
Mary Fredell
H. H. Dow High School
Midland, Michigan

Thanks to
Dow Chemistry Teacher Summit

Summary

In this activity, students will assess the battery power sources for electronic devices they use each day, and then relate the information to their study of oxidation-reduction reactions and electrochemistry.

Grade Level

High School

Objectives

By the end of this activity, students should be able to

  • Recognize the connection of their everyday world with redox reactions and electrochemistry.
  • Understand the role of a variety of different batteries in daily life.
  • Identify the oxidation and reduction half-reactions for various batteries.
  • Determine advantages and disadvantages of different battery types.

Chemistry Topics

  • Electrochemistry
  • Batteries
  • Redox reactions
  • Anode
  • Cathode

Time

Teacher Preparation: 5 minutes

Lesson: 1  hour (more is needed if you plan to have students present their findings).

Materials

  • Student handouts
  • Computers/tablets with internet access

Teacher Notes

  • This is self-guided learning opportunity, and is designed to allow students to investigate the real-world application of the electrochemistry information they have already learned.
  • Students can be asked to complete part one or all of the activity as a homework assignment.
  • In class students research the battery of their choice completing the table.
    • This could also be part of a homework assignment depending on time constraints.
    • Another option is to assign a particular battery to each student ensure there is a range of topics covered.
  • I have students share their findings orally, but completed work could be displayed as a poster/flyer and students “tour” to learn more about various types of batteries

For the Student

Purpose

You will examine the role of electrochemistry in your daily life.

  1. Electrochemistry plays an important role in our lives powering many devices that we take for granted until they fail to perform. With the help of the internet, as needed, please identify where/how you have encountered the batteries during a regular day.         
Type of Battery Where/how do you encounter it?  
Lead storage  
Silver oxide  
Hydrogen fuel cell  
Lithium ion  
Zinc-manganese dioxide (LeClanche)  
Nickel-metal hydride (NiMH)  
Nickel-cadmium  
Lithium-manganese dioxide  
Other  
  1. Choose one of the battery types or add a different on to the list, and determine  the following information about it:
Battery type
Electrical potential
Uses

Advantages    
1.

2.

Disadvantages

1.

2.
Anode 1/2 reaction
Cathode 1/2 reaction
Overall reaction

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