Question:

On the basis of the information available from the reaction: \(\frac 43 Al+O_2→\frac 23 Al_2O_2\), ∆G = -827 KJ mol-1 of O2, the minimum e.m.f. required to carry out electrolysis of Al2O3 is (F = 96500 C mol–1)

Updated On: Apr 15, 2024
  • 2.14 V
  • 4.28 V
  • 6.42 V
  • 8.56 V
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The Correct Option is A

Solution and Explanation

∆G = -nFE
Where:
∆G is the Gibbs free energy change (-827 kJ/mol).
n is the number of moles of electrons transferred.
F is the Faraday constant (96500 C/mol).
E is the cell potential.
\(\frac 43 Al+O_2→\frac 23 Al_2O_2\)
It's clear that \(\frac 43\) moles of electrons are transferred for every 1 mole of O2 consumed. So, n = \(\frac 43\)
Now, plug these values into the equation:
-827 kJ = -nFE
-827 kJ = -(\(\frac 43\)) . (96500 C/mol) . E
E = \(\frac {(-827\  kJ) }{[-(\frac 43) . (96500 \ C/mol)] }\)E ≈ 2.14 V

So, the minimum e.m.f. required to carry out the electrolysis of Al2O3 is approximately 2.14 V.
Therefore, the correct option is (A): 2.14 V.

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Concepts Used:

Galvanic Cells

Galvanic cells, also known as voltaic cells, are electrochemical cells in which spontaneous oxidation-reduction reactions produce electrical energy. It converts chemical energy to electrical energy.

It consists of two half cells and in each half cell, a suitable electrode is immersed. The two half cells are connected through a salt bridge. The need for the salt bridge is to keep the oxidation and reduction processes running simultaneously. Without it, the electrons liberated at the anode would get attracted to the cathode thereby stopping the reaction on the whole.

Working Principle Of Galvanic Cell:

  1. Take two beakers containing electrolytic solutions of copper sulphate and zinc sulphate are taken. It is connected via a salt bridge containing an aqueous solution of potassium chloride.
  2. Zinc and copper electrodes are immersed in the respective electrodes and connected through a voltmeter to measure the electrical potential. 
  3. Zinc which acts as the anode readily undergoes an oxidation process and acquires a negative charge.
  4. The electrons travel through the salt bridge and undergo a reduction process at the copper cathode.
  5. Thus the cathode would acquire a positive charge.
  6. This flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode induces a flow of electric current in the opposite direction which shall be measured by the voltmeter. 

Types of Voltaic Cell:

  • Primary Cell
    • Dry Cell
    • Mercury Cell
    • Alkaline Cell
  • Secondary Cell
    • Nickel-Cadmium Cell
    • Lead-Acid Cell
    • Lithium-Ion Cell