The sodium-sulfur cell shown below is a secondary galvanic cell with the overall cell reaction
$$2Na(l) + S(l) \rightarrow Na_2S(l)$$
The cell produces 2.1 volts - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2009 - Paper 1
Question 12
The sodium-sulfur cell shown below is a secondary galvanic cell with the overall cell reaction
$$2Na(l) + S(l) \rightarrow Na_2S(l)$$
The cell produces 2.1 volts.
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Worked Solution & Example Answer:The sodium-sulfur cell shown below is a secondary galvanic cell with the overall cell reaction
$$2Na(l) + S(l) \rightarrow Na_2S(l)$$
The cell produces 2.1 volts - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 12 - 2009 - Paper 1
Step 1
Power supply voltage of 2.1 volts
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Answer
In this situation, connecting A to C and D to B could potentially recharge the cell. However, the cell produces 2.1 volts and may not facilitate proper recharging since the voltage matches the cell's output, which could lead to no effective current flow.
Step 2
Power supply voltage of more than 2.1 volts
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Answer
For recharging the cell effectively, a power supply with a voltage greater than 2.1 volts is required. This ensures that the potential difference causes the current to flow in a direction that reverses the electrochemical reactions in the cell.
Step 3
Power supply voltage of less than 2.1 volts
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Answer
Using a power supply with a voltage less than 2.1 volts would not be sufficient to recharge the cell, as it wouldn't provide enough potential difference for the reverse reaction to occur.
Step 4
Correct connection arrangement
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Answer
The best arrangement for recharging the cell is to connect A to D and B to C. This ensures that the correct polarity is applied across the cell to facilitate the recharging process.
