Salt Bridge

[Crystal Escobar 1F]

Is a salt bridge always necessary in electrochemistry?

[Albert Agabekyan 1A]

I don't think they are mandatory. It may depend on certain reactions, but I think almost all reactions require it. Because if most reactions don't have a salt bridge, then eventually there will be a build up of of electrons in the Cathode. The electrons from the anode will continue to send electrons over, but their will be electron repulsion in the cathode which will eventually result in a buildup of electrons in the anode.

[VictoriaRoderick_3A]

I was under the impression that they were necessary. I have not seen an example that does not include one. The salt does not affect the reaction, and it prevents electron build up (as mentioned above).

[Jasmine Lam 1I]

The salt bridge is necessary in redox reaction as it is used to remain charge balance between the anode cell and the cathode cell, preventing the rxn to go to equilibrium rapidly. However, there are also couple substitute for a salt bridge like: membrane paper that allows electrons flow, as the electrons flow from anode to cathode spontaneously.

Hope that helps:)

[Marisa Mekkittikul2E]

A salt bridge (or another substitute) is needed in order to help facilitate the flow of electrons and prevent buildup.

[Chem_Mod]

They are necessary in electrochemistry, otherwise we would experience charge buildup. You can absolutely have different forms but you need some mechanism to inhibit that charge buildup.