Chapter 19, Problem 19.10QP

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation: The spontaneity of an electrochemical reaction in term of its standard emf (${\text{E}}^0{}_{\text{cell}}$) should be discussed.

Concept Introduction:

Standard EMF:

The electromotive force (EMF) is the maximum potential difference between two electrodes of a galvanic cell.

This quantity is related to the tendency for an element.

i.e.- It has a great tendency to acquire or gain the compound.

Spontaneous reaction: A reaction is said to be spontaneous, if it occurs without being driven by some external force.

There are two type of driving force

1) Enthalpy

2) Entropy

A reducing agent is the chemical species that under goes a chemical reaction which losses one or more electrons to another chemical species or atom.

We can say it one compound in an oxidation – reduction (redox) reaction.

The reducing agent is losing electron and it said to be oxidized.

Equilibrium:

It can be defined as the state of a chemical reaction in which its forward and reverse reaction occurs at equal rates so that the concentration of the reactant and products does not change with time.

It’s also known as dynamic equilibrium.

A state which opposing forces or influences are balanced.

This is a state of physical balance.

To discuss: The spontaneity of an electrochemical reaction in term of its standard emf (${\text{E}}^0{}_{\text{cell}}$) discussed briefly.