JEE Main · 2024 · Shift-IIeasyEC-042

How can an electrochemical cell be converted into an electrolytic cell?

Electrochemistry · Class 12 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

How can an electrochemical cell be converted into an electrolytic cell?

Options
  1. a

    Applying an external opposite potential lower than E°cellE°_{\text{cell}}.

  2. b

    Reversing the flow of ions in salt bridge.

  3. c

    Applying an external opposite potential greater than E°cellE°_{\text{cell}}.

  4. d

    Exchanging the electrodes at anode and cathode.

Correct Answerc

Applying an external opposite potential greater than E°cellE°_{\text{cell}}.

Detailed Solution

Strategy: Distinguish between a galvanic cell (converts chemical energy to electrical) and an electrolytic cell (uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical change).

Analysis: A galvanic (electrochemical) cell has a spontaneous reaction producing a potential EcellE_{\text{cell}}. To reverse the natural flow and drive the non-spontaneous reaction:

  1. Apply an external potential (EextE_{\text{ext}}) in the opposite direction.
  2. If Eext>EcellE_{\text{ext}} > E_{\text{cell}}, the cell is for\ced to run in reverse.
  3. In this state, it functions as an electrolytic cell.

Answer: (c) Applying an external opposite potential greater than Ecell\boxed{\text{Answer: (c) Applying an external opposite potential greater than } E^\circ_{\text{cell}}}

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