When a cell is in equilibrium its potential is zero. A cell in which the forward reaction is favoured, the cell potential is positive. Cells tend to give off heat as they are used. What does this tell you about the efficiency of cells as they as used for long periods of time?
When cells are under operation, Electric current flows from one electrode to another. During current flow it experiences some amount of resistance in its path. Due to this resistance heat is generated duringn current flow.
Now when cells are used for longer times this heat generated leads to risein temperature which in turn leads to increase in resistance of conductor through which current is flowing.
So increase in resistance leads to more heat loss which in tuirn decreases the cell efficiency.
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