Chapter 17, Problem 123AE

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The reaction taking place in grain alcohol and Oxygen in a fuel cell is given. The theoretical maximum voltage that given cell can achieve at $25°\text{C}$ for the given amount of maximum work is to be calculated.

Concept introduction:

Gibbs free energy is basically the maximum amount of non-expansion work done. Therefore, it is represented as,

$W_{\max }=\Delta G°$

The maximum amount of work that is done by an electrochemical cell is given as,

$W_{\max }=nFE{°}_{\text{cell}}$

The relationship between Gibbs free energy change and equilibrium constant is given by the formula,

$\Delta G°=-nFE{°}_{\text{cell}}$

To determine: The value of theoretical maximum voltage that given cell can achieve at $25°\text{C}$.