Consider a typical electrochemical cell operating strictly at chemical equilibrium. Which of the fol — Electrochemistry Chemistry Question
Question
Consider a typical electrochemical cell operating strictly at chemical equilibrium. Which of the following thermodynamic states must simultaneously and strictly hold true?
💡 Solution & Explanation
At true chemical equilibrium, the net thermodynamic driving force for the macroscopic reaction is zero, meaning $\Delta G = 0$. Since the relationship $\Delta G = -nFE_{cell}$ strictly holds, it dictates that $E_{cell}$ must also be exactly $0\text{ V}$. The standard free energy $\Delta G^\circ$ is a fixed constant for a given temperature and is only zero if $K_{eq} = 1$. The reaction quotient $Q$ equals $K_{eq}$ at equilibrium, which is not restricted to $1$.