(a) What is the definition of the volt? (b) Do all voltaic cells produce a positive cell potential?

The volt is the unit of electric potential difference or electromotive force (emf). A potential difference of one volt means that one coulomb of charge gains or loses one joule of energy when moving between two points in an electric circuit. Mathematically, it can be defined as: \( V = \frac{W}{Q} \) Where, - V (in volts) represents the electric potential difference or emf - W (in joules) represents the work done in moving the charge - Q (in coulombs) represents the quantity of charge

Voltaic cells (also known as galvanic cells) are an electrochemical device that produces electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions. The cell potential, or electrode potential, is emf that drives the flow of electrons from the anode (the electrode where oxidation occurs) to the cathode (the electrode where reduction occurs) through an external circuit. In general, voltaic cells' cell potentials can be both positive or negative. A positive cell potential implies that the redox reaction is spontaneous and proceeds in the forward direction, whereas a negative cell potential means that the reaction is non-spontaneous and does not happen naturally in the specified direction. However, it is essential to note that a cell with a negative cell potential will operate as an electrolytic cell instead of a voltaic cell, consuming electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous redox reaction. So, while all voltaic cells may not have a positive cell potential, only those with a positive potential will act as voltaic cells and produce electrical energy from spontaneous reactions.