Chapter 9: Problem 79
On the basis of the information available from the reaction, \(\frac{4}{3} \mathrm{Al}+\mathrm{O}_{2} \longrightarrow{ }_{3}^{2} \mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) \(\Delta \mathrm{G}=-827 \mathrm{~kJ} \mathrm{~mol}^{-1}\) of \(\mathrm{O}_{2}\) The minimum emf, required to carry out an electrolysis of \(\mathrm{Al}_{2} \mathrm{O}_{3}\) is \(\left(F=96500 \mathrm{C} \mathrm{mol}^{-1}\right)\) (a) \(6.42 \mathrm{~V}\) (b) \(8.56 \mathrm{~V}\) (c) \(2.14 \mathrm{~V}\) (d) \(4.28 \mathrm{~V}\)
Short Answer
Step by step solution
Understanding the Reaction
Identify Gibbs Free Energy
Calculate Free Energy per Mole of Reaction
Formula for Minimum EMF
Determine \( n \), Moles of Electrons
Calculate EMF
Check Calculation for Entire Reaction Cycle
Conclusion Comparison
Unlock Step-by-Step Solutions & Ace Your Exams!
-
Full Textbook Solutions
Get detailed explanations and key concepts
-
Unlimited Al creation
Al flashcards, explanations, exams and more...
-
Ads-free access
To over 500 millions flashcards
-
Money-back guarantee
We refund you if you fail your exam.
Over 30 million students worldwide already upgrade their learning with 91Ó°ÊÓ!
Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Gibbs Free Energy
- Spontaneous reactions can, in theory, proceed without additional energy.
- The absolute value of \( \Delta G \) provides the total work possible from reactions.
- In the context of electrolysis, it helps determine how much electrical energy is needed to drive the reaction in the opposite direction (breaking down \( \mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3 \) to its elements).
Minimum EMF Calculation
- This formula essentially translates the chemical energy change into electrical terms, necessary for electrolysis.
- The calculated EMF provides insight into the voltage needed to overcome the energy barriers of the reaction.
- In this problem, the step-by-step solution led to calculating \( E_{cell} \) as approximately \( 4.28 \mathrm{V} \), accounting for the entirety of the reaction cycle.
Faraday Constant
- The Faraday constant bridges atomic-scale reactions to macroscopic quantities of charge through electrolysis equations.
- In our reaction, it allows us to convert the amount of electron transfer (moles) into a quantifiable electric charge needed for the reaction.
- Accurate use of this constant ensures precision in calculations involving electrochemical cells, like calculating the minimum EMF here.
Moles of Electrons Transferred
- Every aluminum atom loses 3 electrons when it changes into the form found in \( \mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3 \).
- With balanced chemistry, forming \( 2 \mathrm{Al}_2\mathrm{O}_3 \) involves 12 electrons.
- Accurate determination of \( n \) is critical for using the \( \Delta G = -nFE_{cell} \) equation effectively.