Question

When deciding whether a particular reaction corresponds to a cell with a positive standard cell potential, which of the following thermodynamic properties would you use to get your answer without performing any calculations? Which would you not use? Explain. (a) \(\Delta G^{\circ} ;\) (b) \(\Delta S^{\circ} ;\) (c) \(\Delta H^{\circ} ;\) (d) \(\Delta U^{\circ} ;\) (e) \(K\).

Short answer

\(\Delta G^{\circ}\) can be used directly to ascertain the positivity of the cell potential (negative \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) means positive cell potential). \(K\) can also be used, but it requires some background understanding. \(\Delta S^{\circ}\), \(\Delta H^{\circ}\), and \(\Delta U^{\circ}\) cannot be used directly without performing calculations.

Step-by-step solution

Understand the standard free energy change \(\Delta G^{\circ}\)

This property is directly related to the standard potential of the cell. According to the equation, \(\Delta G = -nFE\), where \(E\) is the cell potential, a negative \(\Delta G^{\circ}\) indicates a spontaneous reaction and thus a positive cell potential.

Understand the standard entropy change \(\Delta S^{\circ}\)

Entropy change may give some clues about the spontaneity of the reaction (and thus the sign of the cell potential) but it's not a direct indicator, because it doesn't take into account the enthalpy or the temperature.

Understand the standard enthalpy change \(\Delta H^{\circ}\)

Like \(\Delta S^{\circ}\), \(\Delta H^{\circ}\) alone does not provide sufficient information regarding the cell potential, as it doesn't consider entropy or temperature.

Understand the internal energy change \(\Delta U^{\circ}\)

\(\Delta U^{\circ}\) is typically not used in electrochemistry to determine cell potential.

Understand the equilibrium constant \(K\)

Positive cell potential corresponds with a reaction that proceeds to completion, which means a larger value of \(K\). So, knowing whether \(K\) is large can indirectly help in determining the sign of the cell potential, but it requires some understanding of the reaction equilibrium in question.

Key concepts

Thermodynamics in Electrochemistry

Understanding thermodynamics in electrochemistry is crucial for predicting whether a reaction will occur spontaneously and for gauging the efficiency of an electrochemical cell. At the core, it involves the study of energy changes and how they influence electrical work.

In the context of an electrochemical reaction, the main thermodynamic factors consider the system's energy, its capacity to do work, and the direction in which the reaction proceeds. A positive standard cell potential indicates the ability to perform electrical work, essentially what batteries do. If it's negative, the reaction requires an external source of energy to proceed.

Electrochemists apply the principles of thermodynamics to optimize electrochemical cells, with applications ranging from energy storage in batteries to metal plating and corrosion prevention.

Gibbs Free Energy (\(ΔG°\))

Gibbs free energy, denoted as \(\Delta G°\), is the most informative thermodynamic function for understanding chemical reactions in electrochemistry. It tells us whether a reaction is spontaneous under standard conditions. A negative \(\Delta G°\) value indicates a reaction that can proceed on its own, hence signifying a positive standard cell potential.

For an electrochemical cell, the relationship between Gibbs free energy and the standard cell potential \(E°\) is given by the equation \(\Delta G° = -nFE°\), where \(n\) is the number of moles of electrons transferred, and \(F\) is the Faraday constant. This equation is key to connecting the worlds of thermodynamics and electrochemistry, translating electrical work into a thermodynamic potential.

Analyzing Spontaneity

Students often look for a straightforward metric to predict reaction spontaneity—the Gibbs free energy serves this purpose within electrochemical systems.

Electrochemical Cell

An electrochemical cell is the basic unit of devices where chemical energy is converted to electrical energy (or vice versa). The two broad categories are galvanic (or voltaic) cells, which generate electricity through spontaneous reactions, and electrolytic cells, which require electrical energy to drive non-spontaneous reactions.

In a typical galvanic cell, two different metals are immersed in solutions containing their ions and connected by a salt bridge, with an external circuit allowing electron flow.

Cell Notation

• Cathode: Positive electrode where reduction occurs.
• Anode: Negative electrode where oxidation happens.
• Electrolyte: The ionic medium that allows charge to be transferred.
• External Circuit: Pathway for electron flow from anode to cathode.

Understanding how these components work together helps students grasp how energy conversion is achieved in these systems. It's the behavior of these cells that brings the abstract concepts of thermodynamics to life.

Equilibrium Constant (K)

The equilibrium constant, represented by \(K\), expresses the ratio of product concentrations to reactant concentrations at equilibrium, with each raised to the power of its stoichiometric coefficient. In electrochemistry, a large \(K\) value typically corresponds to a positive standard cell potential, since it suggests products are favored and the reaction tends to go to completion.

Using the Nernst equation, students can relate the equilibrium constant to the cell potential. The relationship can be summarized by the equation \(\ln K = \frac{nFE°}{RT}\), where \(R\) is the universal gas constant and \(T\) is the temperature in Kelvin.

Le Chatelier's Principle Applied

Understanding how the equilibrium constant shifts in response to external pressure, concentration, or temperature changes, as described by Le Chatelier's principle, is significant for predicting cell behavior under non-standard conditions.