alleryStart learning →To drive a nonspontaneous cell reaction, the applied voltage must be:
AOf the opposite polarity
BGreater than the cell potential
CSmaller than the cell potential
DExactly the cell potential
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: B. Greater than the cell potential
1. A nonspontaneous cell reaction has a negative cell potential as written.
2. To force this reaction, a positive potential of magnitude greater than the negative cell potential must be applied.
3. In one worked case the cell reaction must be driven by imposing a cell voltage greater than plus 1.229 volts.
4. Applying exactly the cell potential would only balance the reaction, not drive it.
5. Calculated cell potentials should in any case be considered ballpark estimates.
_Source: OpenStax Chemistry 2e (CC BY 4.0), Ch 17 'Electrochemistry', sections 17.1-17.7_
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