galvanic vs electrolytic

Question

In an electrolytic cell (as opposed to galvanic), the anode is:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

1. **Galvanic Cell**: Source of electricity (battery). Spontaneous reaction. Anode is negative because it releases electrons.
2. **Electrolytic Cell**: Consumes electricity. External battery drives a non-spontaneous reaction.
3. **Connection**: The anode must be connected to the **positive terminal** of the battery to 'pull' electrons away from the species being oxidized ($2Cl^- 	o Cl_2 + 2e^-$).
4. **Mnemonic**: PANIC → **P**ositive **A**node **N**egative **I**n **C**athode (only for electrolytic cells).

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galvanic vs electrolytic

Select the correct option: