Which statement is correct regarding an electrolytic cell?

Which statement is correct regarding an electrolytic cell?

• A. It is spontaneous and operates without an external power source.
• B. It requires an external power source to function.
• C. It is the same as a galvanic cell.
• D. It has a positive cell potential.

Answer: (B)

An electrolytic cell is specifically designed to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction by using an external power source. In this type of cell, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, allowing the reaction to occur in the opposite direction compared to a spontaneous process. This is crucial for applications like electrolysis, where compounds are broken down into their constituent elements, or for processes like electroplating. The requirement for an external power source is central to the operation of an electrolytic cell; without it, the desired reactions would not occur. The nature of an electrolytic cell is such that the reactions happen in the presence of this additional energy input, distinguishing it fundamentally from galvanic cells, which produce electrical energy from spontaneous reactions. In contrast, spontaneous reactions are characteristic of galvanic cells, which produce electrical energy from chemical reactions that occur without external assistance. Therefore, the clarification that an electrolytic cell necessitates an external power source is a defining feature of its operation.

An electrolytic cell is specifically designed to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction by using an external power source. In this type of cell, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy, allowing the reaction to occur in the opposite direction compared to a spontaneous process. This is crucial for applications like electrolysis, where compounds are broken down into their constituent elements, or for processes like electroplating.

The requirement for an external power source is central to the operation of an electrolytic cell; without it, the desired reactions would not occur. The nature of an electrolytic cell is such that the reactions happen in the presence of this additional energy input, distinguishing it fundamentally from galvanic cells, which produce electrical energy from spontaneous reactions.

In contrast, spontaneous reactions are characteristic of galvanic cells, which produce electrical energy from chemical reactions that occur without external assistance. Therefore, the clarification that an electrolytic cell necessitates an external power source is a defining feature of its operation.