Chapter 5, Problem 5.1E

Can a battery that has a voltage be considered a system at equilibrium? How about a dead battery? Justify each conclusion.

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

The validation of the given statement that a battery that has voltage can be considered as a system at equilibrium is to be stated. The state of equilibrium for a dead battery is to be predicted. The justification for each conclusion is to be stated.

Concept introduction:

The static equilibrium is defined as a process in which the rate of forward reaction or the rate of backward reaction is zero. On the other hand, in dynamic equilibrium, the rates of forward and backward reaction are equal.

Answer to Problem 5.1E

A battery that has a voltage is not considered as a system at equilibrium because the electrons move from negative terminal to positive terminal. On the other hand, a dead battery is at equilibrium because the electrons do not flow from negative terminal to positive terminal.

Explanation of Solution

The voltage in battery is developed when the flow of electrons takes place from negative electrode to positive electrode. The flow of electrons indicates that a battery that has a voltage is not at equilibrium. However, the voltage in a dead battery is zero. The flow of electrons does not take place from negative to positive electrode in a dead battery. Therefore, a dead battery is at equilibrium.

Hence, a battery that has a voltage is not at equilibrium whereas a dead battery is at equilibrium.

Conclusion

A battery that has a voltage is not considered as a system at equilibrium because the electrons move from negative terminal to positive terminal. On the other hand, a dead battery is at equilibrium because the electrons do not flow from negative terminal to positive terminal.