Difference between Galvanic and electrolytic cell
Difference between Galvanic cell and electrolytic cell are in tabular form below –
Galvanic cell |
Electrolytic cell |
1) It is a gadget which changes chemical energy into electrical energy. | It is a gadget which changes electrical energy into chemical energy.
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2) Galvanic cell is based upon the redox reaction which is spontaneous
i.e. Δ= -Xe |
The redox reaction is non-spontaneous and take place only when electrical energy is supplied i.e. ΔG=+Xe |
3) Electrode polarity in galvanic cells is a positive charge on cathode and negative charge on anode. | Electrode polarity in electrolytic cells is positive charge on anode and negative charge on cathode. |
4) The oxidation reaction takes place at the anode (negative electrode) while the reduction reaction occurs at the cathode (positive electrode). | The oxidation reaction occurs at the cathode (negative electrode) while the reduction phase occurs on the anode (positive electrode) . |
5) Spontaneous chemical reactions take place in galvanic cells. | Non spontaneous chemical reaction takes place in electrolytic cells.
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6) It produces EMF. | It utilize EMF. |
7) Liberation of ions occurs only at cathode. | Liberation of ions occurs at both electrodes. |
8) Stream of electrons takes place from anode to cathode and it may be reversible. | Stream of electrons takes place from anode to cathode and they are irreversible. |
9) Electrons departthe cell from anode and enter the cell at cathode. | Electron depart the cell from anode and enter the cell at cathode |
10) It does not require an outside source. | It Requires outside voltage source for purifying metal. |
11) Galvanic cells are used in batteries. | It is used in electroplating metal as well as purified metal. |