True or False:
A non-spontaneous reaction is converted into a spontaneous reaction in a voltaic cell by the expense of electrical energy.
I believe it is true because in a non spontaneous reaction, energy must be induced in order for it to occur. Is this true?
Is this true?
Yes. When the battery is re-charged, the electrical current of the charger reverses the cell and restores the cell to its original state (for rechargeable cells, that is). {When a non-rechargeable cell goes dead it is just dead and can't be recharged.
Yes, you are correct. In a voltaic cell, a non-spontaneous reaction can be converted into a spontaneous reaction by the input of electrical energy. This process is known as electrolysis.
To understand this concept further, let's consider the components of a voltaic cell. A voltaic cell consists of two half-cells, each containing an electrode immersed in an electrolyte solution. One half-cell undergoes an oxidation process (loses electrons), and the other half-cell undergoes a reduction process (gains electrons). The electrons flow through an external circuit from the anode (where oxidation occurs) to the cathode (where reduction occurs).
In a spontaneous reaction, the flow of electrons occurs naturally, producing electrical energy. However, in a non-spontaneous reaction, the flow of electrons cannot occur naturally. So, to convert a non-spontaneous reaction into a spontaneous reaction, electrical energy is supplied to the cell externally. This electrical energy helps drive the non-spontaneous reaction and enables the flow of electrons through the circuit, resulting in a spontaneous reaction taking place in the cell.
Therefore, the statement "A non-spontaneous reaction is converted into a spontaneous reaction in a voltaic cell by the expense of electrical energy" is true.