What is the Difference Between Voltaic Cell and Electrolytic Cell?
🆚 Go to Comparative Table 🆚The main difference between a voltaic cell and an electrolytic cell lies in the type of reactions they are involved in and the energy source they use. Here are the key differences:
- Voltaic Cell:
- Also known as a galvanic cell, it uses the energy released during a spontaneous redox reaction to generate electricity.
- Spontaneous redox reactions convert chemical energy to electric energy.
- Electric energy is generated by redox reactions.
- The cathode is the positive electrode, and the anode is the negative electrode.
- Electrolytic Cell:
- Consumes electrical energy from an external source to force a non-spontaneous redox reaction to occur.
- Non-spontaneous redox reactions convert the electric energy to chemical energy.
- Electric energy brings about a chemical reaction with the help of an external source.
- Both types of cells have a cathode and anode side, with a consistent flow of electrons from the anode to the cathode.
In summary, a voltaic cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy using spontaneous redox reactions, while an electrolytic cell does the opposite, converting electrical energy into chemical energy to drive non-spontaneous redox reactions.
On this pageWhat is the Difference Between Voltaic Cell and Electrolytic Cell? Comparative Table: Voltaic Cell vs Electrolytic Cell
Comparative Table: Voltaic Cell vs Electrolytic Cell
Here is a table summarizing the differences between voltaic cells and electrolytic cells:
Feature | Voltaic Cells (Galvanic Cells) | Electrolytic Cells |
---|---|---|
Energy Flow | Spontaneous redox reactions convert chemical energy to electric energy. | Non-spontaneous redox reactions convert electrical energy to chemical energy with the help of an external source. |
Direction | Electric energy is generated by redox reactions. | Electric energy brings about a chemical reaction with the help of an external source. |
Applications | Used in batteries. | Used in purifying copper and electroplating. |
Electrodes | Anode is negative, cathode is positive. | Anode is positive, cathode is negative. |
Setup | Half cells in separate containers connected through salt bridges. | Electrodes in the same container in a molten or solution electrolyte. |
Voltaic cells, also known as galvanic cells, use spontaneous redox reactions to generate electrical energy, while electrolytic cells use electrical energy from an external source to force a reaction.
Read more:
- Electrochemical Cell vs Electrolytic Cell
- Electrolytic vs Galvanic Cells
- Electrochemical Cell vs Galvanic Cell
- Electrolyte vs Electrolysis
- Electrode Potential vs Cell Potential
- Galvanic Cell vs Concentration Cell
- Ionization vs Electrolysis
- Electroplating vs Electrolysis
- Electrode vs Electrolyte
- Photocatalysis vs Electrocatalysis
- Metallic vs Electrolytic Conduction
- Galvanic Series vs Electrochemical Series
- Electrolysis vs Laser
- Cell vs Battery
- Molten vs Aqueous Electrolysis
- Fuel Cell vs Battery
- Electrolytic vs Ceramic Capacitor
- Dry Cell vs Wet Cell
- Concentration Cell vs Chemical Cell