Question

What is the efficiency of an electrochemical cell that operates with a potential difference of 1.5V and has a maximum electrical work output of 2500 J when 10 moles of electrons are transferred in the cell reaction? (Assuming no other energy losses)

Answer 1

To calculate the efficiency of an electrochemical cell, we need to determine the theoretical maximum work output and compare it to the actual work output.First, let's find the theoretical maximum work output  Wmax . We can use the formula:Wmax = n * F * Ewhere n is the number of moles of electrons transferred  10 moles , F is Faraday's constant  96485 C/mol , and E is the potential difference  1.5 V .Wmax = 10 moles * 96485 C/mol * 1.5 VWmax = 1447275 JNow that we have the theoretical maximum work output, we can calculate the efficiency of the electrochemical cell using the formula:Efficiency =  Actual work output / Theoretical maximum work output  * 100%The actual work output is given as 2500 J.Efficiency =  2500 J / 1447275 J  * 100%Efficiency  0.1727%The efficiency of the electrochemical cell is approximately 0.1727%.