Electrolytic Cells

Definition

Electrolytic cells are devices that drive nonspontaneous redox reactions using an external source of voltage (electricity).

Related terms

Electrodes: These are conductors through which electricity enters or leaves an electrolyte (or other medium). In an electrolytic cell, there are two electrodes - anode and cathode.

Anode:

This is the electrode where oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell.

Cathode:

This is the electrode where reduction occurs in an electrochemical cell.