Explain the different conditions when an external potential is applied in the opposite direction in a galvanic cell (Voltaic cell) by taking a suitable cell example.

Vedclass pdf generator app on play store
Vedclass iOS app on app store
(N/A) Condition-$I$: (Condition in which the flow of current continues through the galvanic cell or $E_{\text{ext}} < 1.1 \ V$): According to diagram-$(a)$,if an external opposite potential is applied to the galvanic cell and increased slowly,we find that the reaction continues to take place until the opposing voltage reaches the value $1.1 \ V$. The redox reaction continues in the forward direction and the reaction does not stop.
$(b)$ Condition-$II$: (Condition in which the galvanic cell is stopped or $E_{\text{ext}} = 1.1 \ V$): According to diagram-$(b)$,when the external potential reaches $1.1 \ V$,the reaction stops altogether and no current flows through the cell. Any further increase in the external potential starts the reaction in the opposite direction (electrolytic cell).
$(c)$ Condition-$III$: (Condition in which the cell acts as an electrolytic cell or $E_{\text{ext}} > 1.1 \ V$): If the external potential is increased beyond $1.1 \ V$,the reaction proceeds in the reverse direction,and the cell acts as an electrolytic cell. Electrons flow from the copper electrode to the zinc electrode,and current flows from the zinc electrode to the copper electrode.

Explore More

Similar Questions

What is a galvanic cell? Give the half-cell reactions of a Daniell cell and explain a redox couple.

For a $Ag-Zn$ button cell,the net reaction is $Zn_{(s)} + Ag_{2}O_{(s)} \rightarrow ZnO_{(s)} + 2Ag_{(s)}$. Given $\Delta G_{f}^{o}(Ag_{2}O) = -11.21 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$ and $\Delta G_{f}^{o}(ZnO) = -318.3 \ kJ \ mol^{-1}$,the $E^{o}_{cell}$ of the button cell is ......... $V$.

Which of the following net cell reactions takes place in a galvanic cell containing a copper electrode and a standard hydrogen electrode $(SHE)$? Given: $E^{\circ}(Cu^{2+}_{(aq)} \mid Cu_{(s)}) = +0.34 \ V$.

Which of the following is used as an electrolyte in a dry cell (Leclanché cell)?

Depict the galvanic cell in which the reaction $Zn_{(s)} + 2Ag^{+}_{(aq)} \rightarrow Zn^{2+}_{(aq)} + 2Ag_{(s)}$ takes place. Further show:
$(i)$ Which of the electrode is negatively charged?
$(ii)$ The carriers of the current in the cell.
$(iii)$ Individual reaction at each electrode.

Difficult
View Solution

Vedclass Products

For Students

Vedclass Test Series

Mock tests in real JEE/NEET style with performance analysis. 5-day free trial.

Start Free Trial
For Teachers

Exam Paper Generator

Generate Set A/B/C/D exam papers from 7.5L+ questions in 2 minutes. 3 chapters free.

Try Free
For Institutes

Online Exam Module

Live online exams with unlimited students, 360° analytics & white-label branding.

See Demo