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 positive, cathode is negative by convention |
|
May or may not require a salt bridge |
|
May or may not require separate cells |
|