Electrochemistry Cell Builder

How to build your cell

Start with a galvanic zinc/copper cell, then explore other metal pairs and reverse the reaction.

  1. Choose a cell type. Galvanic cells release electrical energy. Electrolytic cells need an external power supply.
  2. Place two different electrodes. Drag a metal into a beaker, or select its tile and press Place selected metal. Choose each metal’s matching ionic solution.
  3. Complete the circuit. Add the salt bridge and connect the voltmeter and wires. In electrolytic mode, apply more voltage than the magnitude of E°cell.
  4. Predict, then run. Follow electrons from anode to cathode. Watch metal ions gain electrons and deposit as neutral atoms on the cathode.
Try Zn + Cu

Zn loses electrons at the anode; Cu²⁺ gains electrons at the cathode.

E°cell = 0.34 − (−0.76) = +1.10 V

The animation shows direction, not reaction rate. Pause at any time; Reset lab clears the assembly and deposited atoms.

03 / Observe

Your electrochemical cell

Electrons travel through wires; ions move through the salt bridge.