Given that the cell does positive work on the electrons, why is it that the work in both energy diagrams in Figure 26.17 is negative?

Transcribed Image Text:

Figure 26.17 Schematic diagram of a lead-acid cell and of the reactions taking place at the positive and negative electrodes. electrons in 2e 3H+ PbSO4 HSO electrons in electrons out flow of H+ ions (protons) electrolyte: sulfuric acid solution 2H,O PbO, + HSO + 3H + 2e PbSO + 2H,O Reaction pulls electrons from positive terminal: positive electrode: lead dioxide (PbO) AK AU AE, AF W HSO PbSO4 H electrons out - 00 2e Pb negative electrode: spongy lead (Pb) HSO + Pb-PbSO, +H+2e Reaction pushes electrons onto negative terminal: AK AE, AF W