popcornfrenzy

I'm kinda confused as to how chemical reaction occurs in Electrochemistry; thus, I have questions: 1. Can Redox reaction occur in metals just changing their oxidation numbers? like Zn + Cu2+ turning to Zn2+ + Cu and if so how is it considered a chemical reaction when there is no compound being formed, no decomposition happening, nor displacement occurring just two metals transferring electrons and not even forming an alloy. 2. How does the decomposition of water via electrolysis works? Like I saw an example in the internet where two isolated containers of solution of Zn, Cu and SO42- with electrodes of Zn and Cu submerged in them that allows for electrons to travel spontaneously. However, in H2O there is no individual containers thus, how do we know that Oxygen is the one being pulled of its electrons and not Hydrogen? Plus what are the electrodes in this case made of cause it's easier to understand if the solution shares the same composition with their electrodes, but in hydrogen and oxygen it's obvious to think that they are not the electrodes here since the two are solid only in extreme temperatures. Also is there an specific property that makes an electrode and electrode?.

Thanks Sir

Oh thanks to both of you, I further understand the role of the constant now in mathematical terms based on what you've written it Sir Studiot and thanks for further elaborating Sir Swansont. I think I need to polish my fundamentals especially on my math more now that I'm pursuing a science course. I'm planning to take chemistry for my MA and PhD so I really need to understand such basic concepts. Forgive me for lacking mathematical skills as I need to improve more on it. Also, Sir Studiot, I searched for the Environmental Theory is it by Florence Nightingale? is that what you're referring to? Forgive me for my English as I'm not yet quite proficient with it as a second language here in the Philippines. Also thanks for the warm welcome.

Oh thanks for the reply, I was wondering what is that J-shaped glass tube that Robert Boyle used in his experiment now I know that it's a manometer. Aside from that, determining relationships mathematically is purely based on logic? I think that's the reason why I can't understand it at first thank you so much.

How are variables in the Gas laws are formulated in such way that show direct and inverse relationships? Hi I'm a first year Environmental Science student I just want to ask how scientists were able to determine which is which like in Boyle's law, he determined that by multiplying the initial pressure and volume and making it equal to the change in pressure and volume produces an inverse relationship. I get that if you look for the missing variable; for example a high value for V2 in the equation P2= (P1)(V1) / V2 will produce a lower value for P2, but by looking at the formula P1V1 = P2V2 alone how was he able to determine that it would lead to inverse relationship. Taking note of the k = P1V1, without comparing the changes, how was he sure that just by multiplying both P1V1 will lead to the relationship. Same question for other gas laws such as the Charles's law that show direct relationship through the division of V and T. It might be a dumb question to ask sorry, it's just that I'm having a hard time comprehending these things.