The debate between a voltaic cell and an electrolytic cell has been ongoing for decades. Both have unique advantages and disadvantages, and are used for different purposes. In this blog, we will discuss the differences between the two cells and explain which one is best for specific applications.
We will also discuss the similarities between them and how they are used in everyday life.
Comparison of voltaic cell and electrolytic cell
The voltaic cell and the electrolytic cell are two types of electrochemical cells that have different functions and applications. A voltaic cell, also known as a galvanic cell, is an electrochemical cell that converts chemical energy into electrical energy.
This is achieved through a redox reaction, where electrons are transferred from one reactant to another. Conversely, an electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that uses electrical energy to drive a chemical reaction. This type of cell uses a direct current of electricity to decompose a chemical compound into its component elements.
In other words, the voltaic cell is used to generate electricity, while the electrolytic cell is used to generate a chemical reaction.
Key differences between voltaic cell and electrolytic cell
The key difference between voltaic cells and electrolytic cells is the direction of electron flow. In a voltaic cell, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode, while in an electrolytic cell, electrons flow from the cathode to the anode.
This difference is due to the difference in the type of reaction which occurs in each cell. Voltaic cells involve a chemical reaction which releases energy, while electrolytic cells involve the application of an external energy source to drive a chemical reaction. This difference in reaction type results in a different direction of electron flow, which is the key difference between the two cells.
Applications of voltaic cell
A Voltaic Cell, also known as a Galvanic Cell, is a device that produces and stores electrical energy through a chemical reaction. It is commonly used in batteries and other electrical applications. On the other hand, an Electrolytic Cell is a device that uses electrical energy to produce a chemical reaction.
On the other hand, an Electrolytic Cell is a device that uses electrical energy to produce a chemical reaction. Both of these cells are essential components of many modern-day technologies. The primary difference between them is the direction of the energy flow.
In a Voltaic Cell, the energy flow is from chemical to electrical, while in an Electrolytic Cell, the energy flow is from electrical to chemical. This means that a Voltaic Cell is used to store and produce electrical energy, while an Electrolytic Cell is used to produce a chemical reaction from electrical energy.
Applications of electrolytic cell
The main difference between a voltaic cell and an electrolytic cell is the direction of electron flow. In a voltaic cell, electrons flow from the negative side (the cathode) to the positive side (the anode).
This reversal of electron flow is what allows electrolytic cells to perform a wide variety of applications. For example, electrolytic cells are commonly used in electroplating, where a thin layer of metal is electrochemically deposited onto a surface.
Another common application of electrolytic cells is in the production of chlorine gas, which can be used for a variety of industrial and commercial applications.
References
The difference between a voltaic cell and an electrolytic cell lies in the direction of electron flow. In a voltaic cell, electrons naturally flow in one direction, from the anode to the cathode, as a result of a chemical reaction.
This process is known as oxidation-reduction, and it is the source of the cell’s electricity. An electrolytic cell, on the other hand, uses an external source of electricity to force electrons to flow the opposite direction, from the cathode to the anode, resulting in a chemical reaction. This process is known as electrolysis and is usually used for a specific purpose, such as extracting a metal from a solution or electroplating.
Final Touch
In conclusion, the main difference between a voltaic cell and an electrolytic cell is the direction of electron flow. In a voltaic cell, electrons flow from the anode to the cathode, while in an electrolytic cell, electrons flow from the cathode to the anode. Furthermore, voltaic cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy, while electrolytic cells convert electrical energy into chemical energy.
Furthermore, voltaic cells convert chemical energy into electrical energy, while electrolytic cells convert electrical energy into chemical energy. Both cells are essential for many different applications, from industrial processes to everyday devices.