Fiveable
Fiveable

Electrolytic Cell

Definition

An electrolytic cell uses electrical energy to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction.

Analogy

Consider an electrolytic cell as reverse solar panel. Instead of converting sunlight into electricity, it uses electricity to cause chemical changes - kind of like how you use electricity to cook raw food in your oven!

Related terms

Anode: The electrode where oxidation occurs in an electrolytic cell.

Cathode: The electrode where reduction occurs in an electrolytic cell.

Electrolysis: A process that uses electricity to cause a chemical change, usually carried out in an electrolytic cell.

"Electrolytic Cell" appears in:

Practice Questions (1)

  • Which of the following is an example of an electrolytic cell?


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.


© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.