Science, Tech, Math › Science Half-Cell Definition in Chemistry Print Daniell cell electrochemistry may be written as two half-reactions. corbac40 / Getty Images Science Chemistry Chemical Laws Basics Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Activities for Kids Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 13, 2020 A half-cell is half of an electrolytic or voltaic cell, where either oxidation or reduction occurs. The half-cell reaction at the anode is oxidation, while the half-cell reaction at the cathode is reduction. Half-Cell Example The electrochemical reaction of a Daniell cell may be written as two half-cells. The original equation is: Read More Galvanic Cell Definition (Voltaic Cell) By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. 2H+(aq) + 2e- → H2(g) The half-cells or half-reactions are: Zn → Zn2+ + 2e− (for the reaction at the anode or Zn) Cu2+ + 2e− → Cu (for the reaction at the cathode or Cu) Source Andrews, Donald H.; Richard J. Kokes (1962). "Electrochemistry." Fundamental Chemistry. New York: John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Half-Cell Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo, Feb. 16, 2021, thoughtco.com/definition-of-half-cell-604521. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2021, February 16). Half-Cell Definition in Chemistry. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-half-cell-604521 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Half-Cell Definition in Chemistry." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/definition-of-half-cell-604521 (accessed April 25, 2024). copy citation