Difference in concentration

[Samuel G Rivera - Discussion 4I]

I remember hearing in lecture, regarding galvanic cells, that a difference in concentration between two solutions causes an electric flow. I don't really understand what this means. Could someone elaborate?

[Rebecca Remple 1C]

I remember hearing in lecture, regarding galvanic cells, that a difference in concentration between two solutions causes an electric flow. I don't really understand what this means. Could someone elaborate?

Hi Samuel,

I think this may be referring to concentration cells, which are a type of galvanic cell. According to LibreTexts (https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Analytical_Chemistry/Supplemental_Modules_(Analytical_Chemistry)/Electrochemistry/Voltaic_Cells/Electrochemical_Cells_under_Nonstandard_Conditions/Concentration_Cell), both electrodes in a concentration cell are the same. However, they differ in concentrations. The electrode with the highest concentration is diluted while the one with the lowest concentration is concentrated. As the cells move towards equilibrium, the movement of electrons between them generates a voltage. Electrons move from the least to most concentrated cell, in the opposite direction of ions. A salt bridge is used to move ions. I hope this helps!

-Rebecca

[Subashni Rajiv 1K]

For a concentration cell, the same type of solution is used for both compartments. The only difference is the concentration.