Question

What is an electrochemical reaction?

Answer 1

Hint: We know that electrochemical reaction is any process that is caused or accompanied by the passage of an electric current and involves the transfer of electrons between two substances or chemical species in most cases (where one can be a solid and the other is a liquid). So here we have to explain about electrochemical reactions.

Complete answer:
Let us understand the concept of electrochemical reaction and electrolysis as follows:-
-As we know that electrochemical reactions are the processes where there is transfer of electrons to or from an atom, molecule or ion at an interface between an electronic conductor, the electrode (by which the electrons reach or leave the interface) and an ionic conductor (by which the ions travel). This is done with the passage of electric current.
-When a chemical reaction occurs under ordinary conditions, it is accompanied by the liberation or absorption of heat and not of any other form of energy. But there are many chemical reactions which when allowed to proceed in contact with two electronic conductors and separated by conducting wires, they liberate energy, and an electric current is generated.
-On the converse of the above paragraph, the energy of an electric current can be used to bring about many chemical reactions that are non-spontaneous reactions. A process where the electrical energy can be converted directly into chemical energy is known as electrolysis.

Note:
-The whole set up used for the conversion of electrical energy to chemical energy that is the set up used for electrochemical reaction to occur is called an electrochemical cell.
-Electrolytes which are used in this reaction comprise mostly acids, bases, and salts that are either in the molten state or as solution in water or other solvents.