Electrolytic vs. Electrochemical

[jdent]

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I understand that reduction takes place at the cathode and oxidation at the anode, as well as that cations go to the cathode and anions go to the anode. But why in electrolytic cells is the cathode negative and anode positive?

 

[HoangDDS]

I understand that reduction takes place at the cathode and oxidation at the anode, as well as that cations go to the cathode and anions go to the anode. But why in electrolytic cells is the cathode negative and anode positive?

B/c in electrolytic cells you're only concern about cacluating the charge or movement of e-.

 

[HoangDDS]

The difference between electrolytic cells and galvanic cells is that, galvanic cell uses a spontaneous redox rxn to create an electric current (the an is - and the cat is + ; e-s are spontaneously moving from a neg to positive charge), whereas electrolytic cell uses an electric curret to force a non-spont redox rxn to occur. That is is why in electrolytic cells the cat is - and the an is +, b/c e's are being forced to move where they don't want to go.

Also note: no matter what: anode is the site of ox. and the cathode is the site of reduction.

I think this is used alot in gel electrophrosis.

 

[doc3232]

The difference between electrolytic cells and galvanic cells is that, galvanic cell uses a spontaneous redox rxn to create an electric current (the an is - and the cat is + ; e-s are spontaneously moving from a neg to positive charge), whereas electrolytic cell uses an electric curret to force a non-spont redox rxn to occur. That is is why in electrolytic cells the cat is - and the an is +, b/c e's are being forced to move where they don't want to go.

Also note: no matter what: anode is the site of ox. and the cathode is the site of reduction.

I think this is used alot in gel electrophrosis.

So the are basically opposites?
galvanic is creating electron movement and electrolytic uses energy toionize and deionize metals?

 

[HoangDDS]

So the are basically opposites?
galvanic is creating electron movement and electrolytic uses energy toionize and deionize metals?

I am not sure if you can call them oposites. You got it tho. In electrolytic cells, the cathode is negative and ions are being forced (by an external battery) to go against their gradient, which is the oppsite (i guess) of what is occuring spotaneously in galvanic cells. hahah maybe someone else can add more to this.

 

[jdent]

The difference between electrolytic cells and galvanic cells is that, galvanic cell uses a spontaneous redox rxn to create an electric current (the an is - and the cat is + ; e-s are spontaneously moving from a neg to positive charge), whereas electrolytic cell uses an electric curret to force a non-spont redox rxn to occur. That is is why in electrolytic cells the cat is - and the an is +, b/c e's are being forced to move where they don't want to go.

Also note: no matter what: anode is the site of ox. and the cathode is the site of reduction.

I think this is used alot in gel electrophrosis.

Thanks clear!