Salt Bridges
AQA A-Level Chemistry
3.1.11
This topic explains how salt bridges work in electrochemical cells and why they are essential for completing the circuit. You’ll learn how ions move through the salt bridge to maintain charge balance, why electrons do not flow through the salt bridge, and how to identify suitable salt bridge electrolytes in exam questions.
Begin with the Learn section if this is your first time covering the topic. If you are revising, move to Revise. If you are testing yourself, go straight to Practise.
In this topic you will:
- Understand the role of salt bridges in electrochemical cells.
- Identify the requirements for a suitable salt bridge electrolyte.
- Select suitable ionic compounds for use in salt bridges.
- Explain why certain substances are unsuitable for use in a salt bridge.
Learn
Gain a complete understanding
Learn the core concepts and build a solid understanding.
What to do:
- Watch the video from start to finish.
- Focus on understanding key concepts.
- Take notes using the guided notes.
Revise
Check understanding and build recall
Reinforce your knowledge by testing your recall regularly.
What to do:
- Use the flashcards (Leitner system).
- Do brain dumps to test your recall.
- Watch the video (coming soon) to check and fix gaps.
Practise
Apply knowledge in exam questions
Practise exam style questions and develop exam technique
What to do:
- Attempt the questions first (no notes!).
- Watch the video walkthrough (coming soon).
- Check your answers and learn from any mistakes.
Where does this fit?
This lesson is part of the Electrochemistry topic in Physical Chemistry.
Predicting Reactions & Feasibility