What is the relationship between Gibbs free energy of the cell reaction in a galvanic cell and the emf of the cell? When will the maximum work be obtained from a galvanic cell?

 

 
If concentration of all reacting speciesis unity, then Ecell = E0cell and G0 = -nFE0cell
where, rG° is standard Gibbs energy of the reaction
                                                         E0cell = emf of the cell
                                                           nF = charge passed
 
If we want to obtain maximum work from a galvanic cell then charge has to be passed reversibly.
The reversibly work done by a galvanic cell is equal to decrease in its Gibbs energy.
 
                                                             rG = — nFE0cell
 
As Ecell is an intensive parameter but rG is an extensive thermodynamic property and the value depends on n.
 
For reaction, Zn (s) + Cu2+ (aq)  Zn2+ (aq) + Cu(s)  in a galvanic cell, 
                                                             rG = — nFE0cell                             [Here, n = 2]