galvanic in separate cells

[SaintJude]

---

Members don't see this ad.

In gen chem, galvanic cells usually are conducted between two separate containers while electrochemical cells are usually continued in the same container? Why?

 

[chiddler]

Galvanic cells are in separate containers so that the electrons that must be transferred for the completion of the redox reaction can be harnessed as a voltage source. Note that this reaction will occur regardless of whether or not they are separated. There will be electron transfer no matter what. If we do a galvanic in the same cell, we simply cannot use that electron flow.

Now if we look at an electrolytic cell, we're pumping electrons in via battery. So either way, it doesn't matter if they are separated because the appropriate ions will migrate to their appropriate nodes where they will be reduced or oxidized.

We don't need to separate them because we don't need to harness that flow of electrons. We're just forcing an unfavorable reaction by battery and do not need compartmentalization.

 

[MedPR]

Where did you read that electrolytic cells are usually done in a single container? I can see how they could be in a single container, but I've always seen them presented in the same setup as a galvanic.

 

[SaintJude]

Thanks, Chiddler.

MedPr, Kaplan--it may be a shortcut that isn't entirely true now that I've seen Chiddler's explanation. Maybe Kaplan is just pointing out that in the MCAT it usually is represented like that.

But, you're right, it's probably better to distinguish galvanic from electrolytic by the presence of a battery source.