The correct answer is (2) an electrolytic cell.
A voltaic cell, also known as a galvanic cell, is an electrochemical cell that generates electrical energy from a spontaneous chemical reaction. It consists of two electrodes, an anode and a cathode, which are immersed in an electrolyte solution. The oxidation reaction occurs at the anode, leading to the release of electrons, while the reduction reaction occurs at the cathode, where electrons are gained.
Now, to convert a voltaic cell into an electrolytic cell, we need to reverse the direction of electron flow and drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction using electrical energy. This reversal is achieved by connecting an external power source, such as a battery or power supply, to the cell.
When the external power source is connected, its positive terminal is connected to the cathode, and its negative terminal is connected to the anode. As a result, the flow of electrons within the cell is reversed. Instead of electrons being generated by the spontaneous oxidation reaction at the anode and flowing through an external circuit to the cathode, they are now forced to flow in the opposite direction.
In an electrolytic cell, the non-spontaneous electrolysis process takes place. The external electrical energy drives this process by forcing the reaction to occur in the opposite direction than it would under normal conditions. This means that the anode, which was previously the site of oxidation in the voltaic cell, now becomes the site of reduction. Similarly, the cathode, which was previously the site of reduction, now becomes the site of oxidation.
The electrolytic cell also requires an electrolyte solution, just like the voltaic cell. However, unlike the voltaic cell where the electrolyte solution facilitates the spontaneous redox reactions, in the electrolytic cell, it serves as a medium for ion transfer and conductivity during the forced non-spontaneous reactions.
Overall, the conversion of a voltaic cell to an electrolytic cell involves reversing the direction of electron flow by connecting an external power source. This allows for the non-spontaneous electrolysis process to occur, with the anode and cathode roles being switched compared to the voltaic cell. |
