Question

The standard free energy change for a reaction in an electrolytic cell is always:_________

Answer 1

Answer: The standard free energy change for a reaction in an electrolytic cell is always positive.

Explanation:

Electrolytic cells use electric currents to drive a non-spontaneous reaction forward.

Relation of standard free energy change and emf of cell

$\Delta G^o=-nFE^0_{cell}$

where,

$\Delta G^o$ = standard free energy change

  n= no of electrons gained or lost

F= faraday's constant

$E^0_{cell}$ = standard emf

$E^0_{cell}$   = standard emf = -ve  , for non spontaneous reaction

Thus  $\Delta G^o=(-ve)(-ve)=+ve$

Thus standard free energy change for a reaction in an electrolytic cell is always positive.