what is electrochemical cells?

what is galvanic cells?

what are different between electrochemical cells and galvanic cells?

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Solution

A device used to convert the chemical energy produced in a redox reaction into electrical energy is called an electrochemical cell or simply a chemical cell. These are also called galvanic cell or voltaic cell. Daniel cell is a type of galvanic cell. However there is difference between electrochemical and electrolytic cell. An electrolytic cell converts electrical energy into chemical energy i.e. it is just the opposite of electrochemical cell.

A galvanic cell, or voltaic cell, named after Luigi Galvani, or Alessandro Volta respectively, is anelectrochemical cell that derives electrical energy from spontaneous redox reactions taking place within the cell.

The main points of difference between an electrolytic cell and a galvanic cell (electrochemical cell) are:
Difference between an electrolytic cell and a galvanic cell Electrochemical cell (Galvanic Cell) Electrolytic cell

A Galvanic cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. An electrolytic cell converts electrical energy into chemical energy.

Here, the redox reaction is spontaneous and is responsible for the production of electrical energy. The redox reaction is not spontaneous and electrical energy has to be supplied to initiate the reaction.

The two half-cells are set up in different containers, being connected through the salt bridge or porous partition. Both the electrodes are placed in a same container in the solution of molten electrolyte.

Here the anode is negative and cathode is the positive electrode. The reaction at the anode is oxidation and that at the cathode is reduction. Here, the anode is positive and cathode is the negative electrode. The reaction at the anode is oxidation and that at the cathode is reduction.

The electrons are supplied by the species getting oxidized. They move from anode to the cathode in the external circuit. The external battery supplies the electrons. They enter through the cathode and come out through the anode.

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