Comparison between electrochemical cell and electrolytic cell

The comparison between electrochemical cells and electrolytic cells highlights their distinct features and functions.

Electrochemical cell

Electrolytic cell

Converts chemical energy to electrical energy

Converts electrical energy to chemical energy

Flow of electrons determined by reactivity of chemical species

Flow of electrons determined by external power supply

Anode is negative, cathode is positive by convention

Anode is positive, cathode is negative by convention

May or may not require a salt bridge

May or may not require separate cells

Oxidation occurs at anode while reduction occurs at cathode

 

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