An electrochemical cell can behave like an electrolytic cell when : (a...
Electrochemical cells can behave like electrolytic cells under certain conditions. Let's examine the conditions under which this can occur.
Conditions for an Electrochemical Cell to Behave like an Electrolytic Cell
Ecell > Eexternal and ∆G< />
When the electromotive force (Ecell) of the cell is greater than the external potential (Eexternal) and the change in Gibbs free energy (∆G) is negative, the electrochemical cell behaves like an electrolytic cell. In this scenario, the reaction is spontaneous and the cell acts as a source of electrical energy.
Ecell = Eexternal and ∆G = 0
If the Ecell and Eexternal are equal, and the change in Gibbs free energy (∆G) is zero, the electrochemical cell behaves like an electrolytic cell. This condition is known as the equilibrium condition. At this point, there is no net movement of electrons, and the reaction is at equilibrium.
Explanation
In an electrochemical cell, a redox reaction occurs, and electrical energy is converted into chemical energy. The reaction is driven by the potential difference between the two electrodes. If the potential difference is positive, the reaction is spontaneous, and the cell acts as a source of electrical energy. If the potential difference is negative, the reaction is non-spontaneous, and the cell acts as a sink of electrical energy.
In an electrolytic cell, electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous reaction. The external potential is higher than the potential difference between the electrodes. As a result, electrons move from the external circuit to the electrode, and the reaction is driven in the opposite direction.
In certain conditions, an electrochemical cell can behave like an electrolytic cell. If the potential difference between the electrodes is lower than the external potential, the reaction is non-spontaneous, and the cell acts as a sink of electrical energy. If the potential difference is equal to the external potential, the reaction is at equilibrium, and there is no net movement of electrons.
In conclusion, an electrochemical cell can behave like an electrolytic cell under certain conditions. If the potential difference between the electrodes is lower than the external potential or equal to the external potential, the cell acts as a sink of electrical energy or at equilibrium, respectively.
An electrochemical cell can behave like an electrolytic cell when : (a...
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