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Chapter 16 in Review
- The activity series is a listing of metals from those that are easiest to oxidize to those that are most difficult to oxidize. Any half-reaction in the activity series is spontaneous when paired with the reverse of a half-reaction below it.
- In batteries the reactants of a spontaneous redox reaction are separated. As the redox reaction occurs, the transferred electrons are forced to travel through a wire or other external circuit, creating an electrical current that can be used to do electrical work.
- Electrolysis: In electrolysis, an electrical current is used to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction.
- Corrosion: Corrosion is the oxidation of iron and other metals by atmospheric oxygen. Corrosion can be prevented by keeping the metal dry, sealing it with a protective coating, or depositing a more active metal onto the surface of the metal to be protected.