Practice question · Sort into groups
Sort each feature by the type of cell it belongs to.
Groups: Galvanic cell · Electrolytic cell
- Drives a non-spontaneous reaction
- Requires an external power supply
- Converts chemical energy into electrical work
- Has a positive anode
- Has a positive cell potential
Hints
- One cell releases energy, the other consumes it.
- Oxidation is at the anode in both, but the sign of that electrode differs.
Show the answer
Galvanic cell: Converts chemical energy into electrical work, Has a positive cell potential
Electrolytic cell: Requires an external power supply, Drives a non-spontaneous reaction, Has a positive anode
Why
A galvanic cell runs a spontaneous reaction and delivers work; an electrolytic cell consumes external power to force the reverse. Oxidation stays at the anode in both, but the electrode signs are opposite.
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