L3 - Electrolytic Cells (Big Pic and Summary)
What is Electrolysis?
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When an external power supply is attached to the cell, the electrical energy forces the nonspontaneous cell (electrolytic cell) redox reaction to occur. The power supply essentially "pumps" the electrons to under electron transfer in the cell. It is similar to making a water pump force water from a low laying lake to be pumped up into a water tower. This process of forcing the electrons to flow in a certain direction is called electrolysis.
The video on the right is a great introduction to electrolysis. It will explain the basic ideas surrounding electrolysis. |
The following diagram and table shows the differences between the normal volatic (galvanic) cells and the electrolytic cells.
Voltaic / Galvanic Cells |
Electrolytic Cell |
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| Spontaneity | Spontaneous | Nonspontaneous |
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Standard Cell Potential, Eocell |
+ |
- |
| Cathode |
SOA undergoes reduction + electrode |
SOA undergoes reduction - electrode |
| Anode |
SRA undergoes oxidation - electrode |
SRA undergoes oxidzation + electrode |
| Direction of electron movement |  |
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| Direction of ion movement |  |
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