What impact does ohmic resistance have on the efficiency of an electrochemical cell?

What impact does ohmic resistance have on the efficiency of an electrochemical cell?

• A. Increases overall efficiency
• B. Leads to energy loss as heat
• C. Has no impact on efficiency
• D. Improves current flow

Answer: (B)

Ohmic resistance in an electrochemical cell plays a significant role in determining its efficiency. When electric current flows through the cell, any resistance present leads to energy dissipation in the form of heat according to Joule's law, which states that power loss (in watts) is proportional to the square of the current multiplied by the resistance (P = I²R). This energy loss as heat contributes to decreased efficiency, as not all of the electrical energy is converted to chemical energy for the intended reactions. As the ohmic resistance increases, more energy is wasted as heat, which directly reduces the overall efficiency of the cell. In practical terms, when designing electrochemical systems, efforts are often made to minimize this ohmic resistance to enhance the performance and efficiency of the cell. Therefore, recognizing the correlation between higher resistance and energy losses is crucial for understanding electrochemical processes and optimizing cell design.

Ohmic resistance in an electrochemical cell plays a significant role in determining its efficiency. When electric current flows through the cell, any resistance present leads to energy dissipation in the form of heat according to Joule's law, which states that power loss (in watts) is proportional to the square of the current multiplied by the resistance (P = I²R). This energy loss as heat contributes to decreased efficiency, as not all of the electrical energy is converted to chemical energy for the intended reactions.

As the ohmic resistance increases, more energy is wasted as heat, which directly reduces the overall efficiency of the cell. In practical terms, when designing electrochemical systems, efforts are often made to minimize this ohmic resistance to enhance the performance and efficiency of the cell. Therefore, recognizing the correlation between higher resistance and energy losses is crucial for understanding electrochemical processes and optimizing cell design.