The purpose of the salt bridge in an electrochemical cell is to ________.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The purpose of a salt bridge is to maintain electrical neutrality in the half-cells. This is done by allowing the migration of ions between the half-cells to balance out the charges that develop as electrons are transferred between them. Without a salt bridge, charge buildup in the half-cells would impede the electrochemical reaction. A salt bridge does not provide a source of ions for the reaction, but rather allows for the movement of existing ions between the half-cells. It also does not provide oxygen or a means for electron travel between the anode and cathode.

The Purpose of the Salt Bridge in an Electrochemical Cell