Galvanic and Electrolytic Cells
An electrochemical cell separates a redox reaction into two half-reactions. A galvanic (voltaic) cell runs a spontaneous reaction to make electrical energy; an electrolytic cell uses an external power source to drive a nonspontaneous one. In both, oxidation is at the anode, reduction at the cathode; electrons flow through the wire from anode to cathode, and the salt bridge carries ions.
The traps route electrons through the salt bridge (it carries ions; electrons go through the wire), send electrons the wrong way (anode → cathode), fix the anode by position, or assume an electrolytic cell runs on its own (it needs a power source). Anode = oxidation; cathode = reduction; wire for electrons, bridge for ions.
The work
3 ways in · any order
Lesson
Galvanic & Electrolytic Cells
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Galvanic cells make electricity from spontaneous redox; electrolytic cells drive nonspontaneous redox with a power source; anode oxidizes, cathode reduces. The lesson wires the cell, then closes with a ten-scenario check.
Diagnostic
10-item topic check
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Ten items spanning the Topic 9.8 misconception: galvanic-cell setup — electron path, electrode roles, and the need for a power source in electrolysis.
Targeted Practice
Drill a single misconception
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Pick one of the failure modes you missed and drill it on its own. The round is adaptive: two correct in a row clears the misconception and moves you to the next.