What is the difference between a galvanic cell and an electrolytic cell?
A. A galvanic cell converts reduction reactions into an electrolytic cell, and an electrolytic cell converts oxidation reactions into a galvanic cell.
B. A galvanic cell converts oxidation reactions into an electrolytic cell, and an electrolytic cell converts reduction reactions into a galvanic cell.
C. A galvanic cell generates electrical current, and an electrolytic cell uses electrical energy to cause redox reactions to occur.
D. A galvanic cell uses electrical energy to cause redox reactions to occur, and an electrolytic cell generates electrical current.
1 answer
C: In a galvanic cell the redox reaction is spontaneous and is responsible for the production of electrical energy. In an electrolytic cell, the redox reaction is not spontaneous and electrical energy has to be supplied to initiate the reaction.