Q21.36 P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

What does a negative  ${\mathbf{\text{E}}}^{\mathbf{\text{o}}}$cell indicate about a redox reaction? What does it indicate about the reverse reaction?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

A negative ${\text{E}}^{\text{o}}$  indicates that the reactions won't happen on their own. The negative ${\text{E}}^{\text{o}}$  cell also implies that redox reactions will occur spontaneously if they are reversed. 

Step 1: Definition redox reaction

Electrons are transferred from one chemical material to another in many chemical processes. The oxidation-reduction or Redox reaction is the name given to these electron transport reactions.

Step 2: Determining indication about a redox reaction and reverse reaction

A negative  $E_{Cell}^0$ suggests that the reactions will not happen on their own. For redox processes to take place, they require an external electrical source. The negative $E_{Cell}^0$ cell, on the other hand, shows that redox reactions will occur spontaneously if they are reversed, and the  $E_{Cell}^0$cell is bigger than 0.