Question

Explain the following statement: E determines spontaneity, while E° determines the equilibrium position. Under what conditions can you use E^o to predict spontaneity?

Short answer

The determination of equilibrium position can be obtained by${E^o}_{cell}$. When it is positive, the reaction will be spontaneous.

Step-by-step solution

Determination of potential difference or voltage

The measure of $E_{cell}$determination in voltage and potential for two half-cells is present in different compartments. The change in potential is due to the electron flow from one cell to another. The determination of whether a cell works or not uses cell potential and measures the flow of current.

Determination of spontaneity

Cell with $E_{cell}$equals to zero represents the cells not working as the flow of current can be restricted. Then, there is no production of voltage. The determination of spontaneity by $E_{cell}$and ${E^o}_{cell}$is the voltage difference between electrodes.

Conditions of the equilibrium position

The condition of temperature is 25^oC, 1 atm pressure, and 1 molar concentration. Thus, there is a change in equilibrium position. The determination of equilibrium position can be obtained by ${E^o}_{cell}$ . When it is positive, the reaction will be spontaneous.