Intermediate Topic 556 of 1102 Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry
Electrolytic Cell
Electrical energy drives a nonspontaneous reaction.
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In-depth explanation of Electrolytic Cell
An electrolytic cell uses an external electrical voltage to force a reaction that would not occur spontaneously. The anode is positive and the cathode is negative, the opposite polarity to a galvanic cell. Electrolysis drives the chemical change by pushing electrons into the cathode and removing them from the anode. Industrial applications include electroplating, metal refining and the production of chlorine, sodium and aluminium. The amount of substance produced is proportional to the charge passed, as described by Faraday's laws.
Going deeper: Electrolytic Cell
Key ideas: An electrolytic cell uses an external power source to drive a non-spontaneous reaction (E cell below 0). The applied voltage must exceed the thermodynamic value, so the anode is positive and the cathode negative, the reverse of a galvanic cell. Uses: electroplating, metal refining, producing Na, Cl2, Al and H2.
Common mistakes and connections: Common mistakes: still treating the anode as the site of reduction, and assuming voltage equals the standard potential. Real electrolysis needs overpotential and ohmic loss. Ions can also compete: in aqueous solution water may react instead of the dissolved salt. Quantities follow Faraday laws.
Visualization of Electrolytic Cell
An electrolytic cell uses an external voltage to force a nonspontaneous reaction, here splitting molten NaCl into sodium and chlorine. The interactive lesson shows this as a live animation or chart.
Worked example and use case
The electrolysis of molten sodium chloride produces sodium metal at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode.
Frequently asked questions about Electrolytic Cell
What is Electrolytic Cell?
Electrical energy drives a nonspontaneous reaction.
Is Electrolytic Cell a beginner, intermediate or advanced topic?
Electrolytic Cell is a intermediate topic in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry. It builds on the vocabulary of beginner topics in this area.
What should I learn before Electrolytic Cell?
Study these earlier topics in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry first: Balancing in Acidic and Basic Medium, Electrochemical Cell, Galvanic Cell.
What comes after Electrolytic Cell?
The next topics in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry are Anode and Cathode and Salt Bridge.
Can I practise Electrolytic Cell with quizzes?
Yes. The interactive lesson includes a self-check question on Electrolytic Cell, and the Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry quiz draws on every topic in this area.
Where Electrolytic Cell fits in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry
Electrolytic Cell is topic 46 of 105 in Acids, Bases & Electrochemistry.