What is the Difference Between Electrochemical Cell and Electrolytic Cell?

By BYJU'S Exam Prep

Updated on: September 25th, 2023

Electrochemical cells converts chemical energy to electrical energy whereas electrolytic cell converts electrical energy to chemical energy.

The following is a discussion of the key distinctions between electrochemical and electrolytic cells:

Electrochemical cell	Electrolytic cell
a cell type that transforms chemical energy into electrical energy.	a cell type that transforms electrical energy into chemical energy.
The positive electrode is the cathode, while the negative electrode is the anode.	The negative electrode is the cathode, and the positive electrode is the anode.
There is a spontaneous response in electrochemical cells.	An unnatural reaction takes place in electrolytic cells.
Half cells are arranged in various containers and connected by a salt bridge in an electrochemical cell.	In an electrolytic solution, the electrodes are put in a comparable container.

Table of content

The main use of electrolytic cells is to create oxygen and hydrogen gas from water.
They are also employed in the process of removing aluminium from bauxite.
The technique of creating a thin protective layer of one metal on the surface of another metal, known as electroplating, is another noteworthy use of electrolytic cells.
Electrolytic cells are used to electrorefine a variety of non-ferrous metals.
Processes for electrowinning also employ such electrochemical cells.

Summary:-

Unlike electrolytic cells, which change electrical energy into chemical energy, electrochemical cells change chemical energy into electrical energy.

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