Question

Which type of electrochemical cell has ${\mathbf{\Delta G}}_{\mathbf{sys}\mathbf{}}\mathbf{<}\mathbf{0}$? Which type shows an increase in free energy?

Short answer

For voltaic cells, use the ${\mathrm{\Delta G}}_{\mathrm{sys}}<0$

For electrolytic cells, use${\mathrm{\Delta G}}_{\mathrm{sys}}>0$

Step-by-step solution

Definition of an electrochemical cell

An electrochemical cell is a device that uses chemical reactions to create a potential difference between electrodes. Electrochemical cells include galvanic cells and electrolytic cells.

The probability if all three family members are assigned to the same station

Voltaic cells (also known as Galvanic cells) have a ${\mathrm{\Delta G}}_{\mathrm{sys}}<0$ and thus exist naturally.

Electrolytic cells, on the other hand, show an increase in free energy, implying that they involve non-spontaneous processes for which${\mathrm{\Delta G}}_{\mathrm{sys}}>0$.