What is the Difference Between Galvanic Series and Electrochemical Series?

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The key difference between the galvanic series and the electrochemical series lies in the criteria for their arrangement and the information they provide. Here are the main differences:

  • Galvanic Series:
  • Shows the order of nobility of metals and semimetals, which is a measure of their resistance to corrosion and oxidation in moist air.
  • Based on the principle of galvanic corrosion, which occurs when two metals are submerged in an electrolyte while being electrically linked.
  • The position of a metal in the series can vary according to environmental conditions.
  • Can be applied to metals, nonmetals, and alloys.
  • Electrochemical Series:
  • Displays the order of standard electrode potentials of chemical elements.
  • Based on the standard electrode potential relative to the standard hydrogen electrode potential.
  • The position of a metal in the series has a fixed position.
  • Can be applied to metals and nonmetals.

In summary, the galvanic series is focused on the corrosion resistance of metals and their alloys, while the electrochemical series is based on the standard electrode potentials of chemical elements. The position of a metal in the galvanic series can change depending on the environment, whereas the position of a metal in the electrochemical series is fixed.

Comparative Table: Galvanic Series vs Electrochemical Series

The key difference between the galvanic series and the electrochemical series is that the galvanic series shows the order of nobility of metals and semi-metals, which is their resistance to corrosion and oxidation in moist air, while the electrochemical series shows the order of standard electrode potentials of chemical elements. Here is a comparison table highlighting the differences between the two:

Feature Galvanic Series Electrochemical Series
Purpose Shows the order of nobility of metals and semi-metals Shows the order of standard electrode potentials of chemical elements
Basis Derived from galvanic corrosion of metals and alloys Derived from the standard electrode potential relative to the standard hydrogen electrode potential
Measurement Galvanic corrosion is measured Electrode potential is measured by immersing the metal in an electrolyte
Application Provides information on the potential for galvanic corrosion Used to predict the spontaneity of chemical reactions and the choice of suitable electrode materials for electrochemical cells

In summary, the galvanic series is focused on the corrosion resistance of metals and alloys, while the electrochemical series is concerned with the standard electrode potentials of chemical elements. The galvanic series is derived from galvanic corrosion, whereas the electrochemical series is derived from the standard electrode potential relative to the standard hydrogen electrode potential.