Final answer:
The chemical composition of a salt bridge typically includes an inert electrolyte like Na2SO4 or KNO3 in a matrix of water combined with a gelling agent like gelatin or agar to maintain its form during an electrochemical reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
The chemical composition of a salt bridge can vary, but it typically includes an inert electrolyte in a gel matrix. Options for the chemical composition of a salt bridge include:
- 1.0 M Na2SO4 in water/gelatin
- 1.0 M Na2SO4 in water/agar
- 1.0 M KNO3 in water/gelatin
- 1.0 M KNO3 in water/agar
Each of these mixtures provides ions that can move freely to maintain electrical neutrality during a redox reaction in an electrochemical cell.
The choice between Na2SO4 and KNO3 depends on the requirements of the specific electrochemical cell and the potential for reaction with the cell components.
Both gelatin and agar work as gelling agents to help the electrolyte mixture maintain its shape within the salt bridge.