Lesson Plan

Lesson: Electrode Potentials

Aim :

To study the electrode potentials of half-cells.

Learning Outcomes :

By the end of the lesson, students will be able to :

1. explain the electrode potential of a metal in a solution of its ions.

2. explain how a Helmholtz double layer arises.

3. describe and label a standard hydrogen electrode.

Assumed prior knowledge :

Students should already be familiar with the concept of a dynamic equilibrium.

Underlying Principles

1. Making the invisible, visible.

2. Enabling students to know what to look for.

Time taken to complete the activities : 80 minutes

Differentiation

Questions in the student notes are designed to enable all students to complete the activity.
The pop-up answers are provided for the students to view when they have considered their
responses. Worksheet questions include questions that require recall, understanding and
application of the new concepts learned.

© 2003 Ministry of Education Malaysia. All Rights Reserved. Page 1 of 3

Development of Lesson :

No. Steps Strategy Resources

1 Set Induction. • Teacher to quiz students to ensure that
(Ascertaining prior they have the necessary background
knowledge and knowledge.
introducing lesson
topic for the day). • Teacher to point out lesson objectives for
the day.

2 Student Activity Teacher to go through Activities 1 - 2 • Courseware

with the students.

• Activity 1 : Electrode potential

Students get to view how an electrode

potential is produced when a metal is
dipped into a solution of its own ions.
They are also shown how the Helmholtz
double layer is formed.

• Activity 2 : Standard hydrogen

electrode

Students are shown how a standard

hydrogen electrode is set up. They are
also shown a chlorine half-cell and a
Fe2+(aq), Fe3+(aq) half-cell.

3 Evaluation • Students to answer questions in the • Worksheet

student worksheet on their own.

4 Extension activity • Students to go through the extension • Websites

activities on their own. • Reference
books.

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Worksheet answers

2. Standard hydrogen electrode

2.1 a. Temperature : 298 K

Pressure : 1 atm
Concentration of solution : 1 mol dm-3

b. Platinum is an inert metal and will not react with the chemicals present.

c. 0 V.

2.2 a. 1 - Chlorine gas

2 - Cl-(aq)
3 - Platinum electrode

b. Cl2(g), Cl-(aq) | Pt(s).

2.3 a. Negative.
The reaction taking place in the half-cell is an oxidation process whereby
electrons are produced. Thus electrons are released into the external circuit.

b. Pt(s) | Sn2+(aq), Sn4+(aq)

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