Question

Critical Thinking
What if you are told that E° = 0 for an electrolytic cell? Does this mean the cells are “dead"? What if E = 0? Explain your answer in each case.

Short answer

When $E^o=0$ for an electrolytic cell, the cell will have the same standard potential according to the normal hydrogen electrode.

Step-by-step solution

E° = 0 for an electrolytic cell

When $E^o=0$ for an electrolytic cell, the cell will have the same standard potential according to the normal hydrogen electrode. Dependingon the reaction quotient, E can be positive or negative according to the Nernst’s equation. When , $E^o=0$it does not imply the cell is “dead”.

E=0 the cell is dead

When E=0, it has the same value and Q equals to the equilibrium constant. There is no tendency for product or reactant formation. There is no production of electric current when E=0 the cell is dead.