Answer:
The overall cell potential must be positive.
Explanation:
What must be true for a spontaneous reaction in an electrochemical cell?
- The overall cell potential must be positive. YES. This is by convention.
- The overall cell potential must be negative. NO. By convention, a negative cell potential means the cell is not spontaneous.
- The cathode’s standard reduction potential must be positive. NO. It only has to be higher than the anode's standard reduction potential.
- The cathode’s standard reduction potential must be negative. NO. It only has to be higher than the anode's standard reduction potential.
