Consider the following characteristics of electrolytic cells and galvanic cells - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Question 7
Consider the following characteristics of electrolytic cells and galvanic cells.
| Characteristic number | Electrolytic cells | Galvanic cells ... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:Consider the following characteristics of electrolytic cells and galvanic cells - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 7 - 2021 - Paper 1
Step 1
Characteristic 1: cathode is negative / cathode is positive
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Answer
In electrolytic cells, the cathode is indeed negative because it attracts cations during the electrolysis process. Conversely, in galvanic cells, the cathode is positive, as it is where reduction occurs.
Step 2
Characteristic 2: have non-spontaneous reactions / have spontaneous reactions
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Answer
Electrolytic cells require external energy to drive the non-spontaneous reactions involved in electrolysis. On the other hand, galvanic cells utilize spontaneous reactions to generate electrical energy.
Step 3
Characteristic 3: reduction occurs at the anode / reduction occurs at the cathode
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In electrolytic cells, reduction occurs at the anode, where oxidation occurs at the cathode. In contrast, in galvanic cells, the reduction takes place at the cathode while oxidation occurs at the anode.
Step 4
Characteristic 4: produce electricity / consume electricity
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Answer
Electrolytic cells consume electricity to drive chemical reactions, whereas galvanic cells convert chemical energy from spontaneous reactions into electricity, thereby producing electrical energy.
