出典:Wiktionary
出典:『Wiktionary』 (2012/05/12 12:44 UTC 版)
出典:『Wiktionary』 (2010/09/27 11:00 UTC 版)
出典:Wikipedia
出典:『Wikipedia』 (2011/07/11 04:12 UTC 版)
A half cell is a structure that contains a conductive electrode and a surrounding conductive electrolyte separated by a naturally occurring Helmholtz double layer. Chemical reactions within this layer momentarily pump electric charges between the electrode and the electrolyte, resulting in a potential difference between the electrode and the electrolyte. The typical anode reaction involves a metal atom in the electrode being dissolved and transported as a positive ion across the double layer, causing the electrolyte to acquire a net positive charge while the electrode acquires a net negative charge. The growing potential difference creates an intense electric field within the double layer, and the potential rises in value until the field halts the net charge-pumping reactions. This self-limiting action occurs almost instantly in an isolated half cell; in applications two dissimilar half cells are appropriately connected to constitute a Galvanic cell.