Question

The standard free energy change for a reaction in an electrolytic cell is always:_________

a. Positive
b. Negative
c. Zero
d. Impossible to determine

Answer 1

Answer: The standard free energy change for a reaction in an electrolytic cell is always positive.

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrolytic cells use electric currents to drive a non-spontaneous reaction forward.

Relation of standard free energy change and emf of cell

`\Delta G^o=-nFE^0_(cell)`

where,

`\Delta G^o` = standard free energy change

n= no of electrons gained or lost

F= faraday's constant

`E^0_(cell)` = standard emf

`E^0_(cell)` = standard emf = -ve , for non spontaneous reaction

Thus
`\Delta G^o=(-ve)(-ve)=+ve`

Thus standard free energy change for a reaction in an electrolytic cell is always positive.