Meaning & use
electrolytic cell
Last updated
Meaning
nouncountabletechnicalchemistry
A device that uses electrical energy to make a non-spontaneous chemical reaction happen, often to break down a compound or deposit a metal.
Grammar: Countable: you can say 'an electrolytic cell' or 'electrolytic cells'.
Patterns
- an electrolytic cell for something
- in an electrolytic cell
In an electrolytic cell, electrical energy drives a chemical reaction that would not occur on its own.
The electrolytic cell used in the experiment split water into hydrogen and oxygen.
Electroplating is often done in an electrolytic cell where metal ions are reduced at the cathode.
Word forms
| plural | electrolytic cells |
|---|
Common combinations
- electrolytic cell for
- They designed an electrolytic cell for producing chlorine gas.
- in an electrolytic cell
- The reaction takes place in an electrolytic cell filled with a salt solution.
- electrolytic cell reaction
- The electrolytic cell reaction requires a direct current.
- electrolytic cell setup
- The electrolytic cell setup includes two electrodes and an external power source.
Synonyms and how they differ
- electrolysis cell
- A more descriptive term that emphasizes the process of electrolysis; often used interchangeably.
Opposites
Word family
- electrolysis noun
- The process of using electricity to drive a chemical change.
- electrolyte noun
- A substance that conducts electricity when dissolved or molten.
- electrolytic adjective
- Relating to electrolysis or an electrolytic cell.
Commonly confused: electrolytic cell or galvanic cell?
electrolytic cell vs galvanic cell
A galvanic cell produces electrical energy from a spontaneous chemical reaction, while an electrolytic cell uses electrical energy to force a non-spontaneous reaction.
Practice
Which device uses electrical energy to drive a chemical reaction that would not happen by itself?
Choose one answer.
An electrolytic cell requires an external power source to force a non-spontaneous reaction. A galvanic cell (or battery) does the opposite: it produces electricity from a spontaneous reaction.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “electrolytic cell”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.