**Question:** A learner claims that iron and copper can be used to make a voltaic cell but not an electrolytic cell because a spontaneous reaction occurs between the two metals. What is the most appropriate response?**Explanation (for educational context):**In the context of electrochemistry, it is essential to understand the difference between voltaic cells (also known as galvanic cells) and electrolytic cells.- **Voltaic Cell:** Also known as a galvanic cell, this type of cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy through spontaneous redox reactions. When iron (Fe) and copper (Cu) are used to form a voltaic cell, a spontaneous reaction occurs because iron has a higher tendency to oxidize than copper. Therefore, electrons flow from iron to copper, generating an electric current spontaneously.- **Electrolytic Cell:** This type of cell uses electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous chemical reactions. Even though a spontaneous reaction occurs between iron and copper in a voltaic cell, the same combination can still be used in an electrolytic cell. In an electrolytic cell, an external power source is required to drive the reaction in the opposite direction, from copper to iron, which does not occur spontaneously.**The Most Appropriate Response:** The claim is only partially correct. While iron and copper can indeed form a voltaic (galvanic) cell due to the spontaneous reaction, they can also be used in an electrolytic cell. In the case of the electrolytic cell, an external power source is needed to drive the reaction, as it is non-spontaneous in this context.

Introduction: An electrolytic cell converts electrical energy into chemical energy and voltaic cell…

A learner claims that iron and copper can be used to make a voltaic cell but not an electrolytic cell because a spontaneous reaction occurs between the two metals. What is the most appropriate response?

A learner claims that iron and copper can be used to make a voltaic cell but not an electrolytic cell because a spontaneous reaction occurs between the two metals. What is the most appropriate response?

Chemistry

10th Edition

ISBN:9781305957404

Author:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Publisher:Steven S. Zumdahl, Susan A. Zumdahl, Donald J. DeCoste

Chapter1: Chemical Foundations

Section: Chapter Questions

Problem 1RQ: Define and explain the differences between the following terms. a. law and theory b. theory and...

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