Which field studies chemical reactions that produce electricity and uses electricity to drive non-spontaneous reactions?

• A. Kinetics
• B. Electrostatics
• C. Electrochemistry
• D. Thermodynamics

Answer: (C)

Electrochemistry focuses on how chemical energy and electrical energy interact through redox reactions. It covers both the generation of electricity from spontaneous chemical processes (galvanic cells) and the use of electricity to drive non-spontaneous reactions (electrolytic cells). In galvanic cells, electrons flow from the reducing agent to the oxidizing agent through an external circuit, producing current. In electrolytic cells, an external power source pushes electrons to drive a reaction that would not occur on its own. This blend of chemistry and electricity is what sets electrochemistry apart from kinetics, which deals with reaction rates; electrostatics, which studies electric forces and fields without chemical energy changes; and thermodynamics, which focuses on energy changes and spontaneity without the electrical side of reactions.