How can an electrochemical cell be converted into an electrolytic cell ?
- Applying an external opposite potential greater than E0cell
- Exchanging the electrodes at anode and cathode.
- Applying an external opposite potential lower than E0cell
- Reversing the flow of ions in salt bridge.
Answer
(1) Applying an external opposite potential greater than E0cell
Solution
External opposite potential Eext:
Eext < E0cell ⇒ cell still works as a galvanic cell (current only reduced)
Eext = E0cell ⇒ no current
∵ Eext > E0cell ⇒ electrons and the cell reaction are reversed ⇒ electrolytic cell
Exchanging electrodes or reversing ions in the salt bridge does not force a non-spontaneous reaction.
Answer: (1)