SCH4U - Chemistry 12 (2024-25) - A

1. I am assessing, on the basis of research, the viability of using electrochemical technologies as alternative sources of energy (e.g., fuel cells for emergency power generation or as power sources in remote locations),and explaining their potential impact on society and the environment (F1.1) 

2. I am analysing health and safety issues involving electrochemistry (e.g., corrosion of metal pipes in drinking water systems) (F1.2) 

3. I am using appropriate terminology related to electrochemistry, including, but not limited to: half-reaction, electrochemical cell, reducing agent, oxidizing agent, redox reaction, and oxidation number. (F2.2) 

4. I am conducting an inquiry to analyse, in qualitative terms, an oxidation-reduction (redox) reaction.  (F2.3) 

5. I am writing balanced chemical equations for oxidation-reduction reactions, using various methods including oxidation numbers of atoms and the half-reaction method of balancing.  (F2.3) 

6. I am explaining some applications of electrochemistry in common industrial processes (e.g., in refining metals such as aluminum and zinc; in the production of hydrogen) (F3.5) 

I know I will be successful if…. 

Advancements in electrochemistry have provided us with many convenient applications and technologies. Examples of electrochemistry are found everywhere in our daily life. In this part, you will select one common application of electrochemistry and analyze the impact it has had on society and identify the impacts it has on human health and/ or the environment.  

Step 1: Select an Application 

• Read through the list of electrochemical applications below. Do some preliminary research to identify one that are interested in learning more about.   

• Select 1 application to use for your research. Identify a specific example of the application that you will discuss in your report.  

Step 2: Background Research 

• Locate 2-3 credible sources that explain your chosen electrochemical application in detail.   
• Record your sources and the information needed to cite your sources correctly using APA format. Include the citation to your chosen article.  
• Create a References page for the sources you used in your research.  
• Format your citations using APA format.  
• Research the background information about the electrochemical process involved in your application. To do this:  
  • Identify your chosen application. Identify the specific example of your application that you will be discussing in your report.  
  • Describe the purpose of your application and explain how it is used in everyday life.  
  • Identify and describe 2 reasons why this application is beneficial to society.  
  • Locate or create a diagram that shows the electrochemical process in your application.  
  • Locate one image or diagram that shows the final product of the application.  
  • For the diagram and image, write a caption that explains what the image or diagram is showing.  
  • Identify the main or most common electrochemical reaction used in your application. State the chemical equation of this electrochemical reaction.  Describe the reactants, products, states, temperature requirements, catalysts, or other conditions required for the reaction to occur.  
  • Identify the type of chemical reaction involved (e.g., synthesis, decomposition, single displacement, double displacement, redox, neutralization, etc.).   
  • Identify the oxidizing agent in the electrochemical reaction.  Provide 2 specific reasons to justify your answer.  Identify the oxidation state of the oxidizing agent. 
  • Identify the reducing agent in the electrochemical reaction Provide 2 specific reasons to justify your answer.  Identify the oxidation state of the reducing agent.  
  • Provide balanced half-reactions for the oxidizing and reducing agent. Include the states for all reactants and products. 
  • Identify and describe at least 2 health and safety concerns related to your specific application and the electrochemical reaction identified. For each concern, explain who is affected and how they are affected. Identify the substance that is of concern and why it is of concern.  

Part B: The Future of Electrochemistry  

Electrochemistry has been proposed as a safe and clean alternate source of energy, specifically in its application to hydrogen fuel cell technology.  

Step 1: Research and Analysis 

• Locate 2-3 credible sources that explain your hydrogen fuel cells and their application.   
• Record your sources and the information needed to cite your sources correctly using APA format. Include the citation to your chosen article. Add the citations to your references page. 
• Research hydrogen fuel cells and take notes.  
• Assess the viability/ practicality of using hydrogen fuel cells as an alternate source of energy by addressing the following questions:  
  • Describe the hydrogen fuel cell. 
  • Locate an image or diagram that shows the structure of a hydrogen fuel cell. Write a caption for the image that explains how it works.  
  • Identify the type of chemical reaction.  
  • State the chemical equation for this reaction and provide balanced half-reactions. Identify the oxidizing agent and reducing agent.  
  • Explain why this reaction could be used as an energy source. Be specific. 
  • Identify and explain 3 benefits of using hydrogen fuel cells for energy.  
  • Identify and explain 3 disadvantages of using hydrogen fuel cells for energy.  
  • Evaluate the practicality of using hydrogen fuel cells. Do you think that hydrogen fuel cells are practical solution to our energy needs? State your position and justify your opinion by referring to the advantages and disadvantages you identified.  

Part C: Write your Report 

• Organize your notes into a 1000 word formal written report. Include all of the information from Part A and Part B.  

• Use headings and subheadings to organize your information.  

• Include the 3 required diagram and/or images with their captions.   

• Include in-text citations throughout your report.  

• Cite all of your sources using APA format on a References page at the end of your report.   

• Review the citation guidelines below to make sure your citations meet APA format expectations.  

• Proofread and edit your report for spelling, grammar, and punctuation.  

• Submit your report as a pdf.  

CITATION GUIDELINES:   

Cite all the sources you used in your research using APA format at the end of your report. Include a Reference page. Review the citation guidelines below.