Salt Bridge
Definition
A salt bridge is a laboratory device used to connect the oxidation and reduction half-cells of a galvanic cell, allowing ion flow without mixing solutions.
Analogy
Imagine if you're at a party and there are people on both sides of the room. The salt bridge acts like the waiter who carries messages (ions) back and forth so everyone stays happy (maintains charge balance), but doesn't let them mix together (keeps solutions separate).
Related terms
Galvanic Cell: This is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy, where redox reactions occur.
Anode/Cathode: These are electrodes where oxidation/reduction occurs respectively in an electrochemical cell, connected by salt bridge.
Electrolyte Solution: This solution contains ions that can move freely, which are transported across by salt bridge in galvanic cells.
"Salt Bridge" appears in:
Resources
© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.
AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.