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Electrolytic Cell for Dummies

noun

pronunciation: ɪ,lɛktrə'lɪtɪk_sɛl

What does Electrolytic Cell really mean?

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Hey there! So, an electrolytic cell is basically a device that uses electrical energy to cause a chemical change. Let me break it down for you.

Imagine an electrolytic cell as a magic box where chemical reactions happen when you put electricity through it. It's like a little chemical factory that needs electricity to make things happen.

So, here's the deal - when a source of electrical energy, like a battery or a power supply, is connected to an electrolytic cell, it causes a non-spontaneous chemical reaction to occur. This means that the reaction wouldn't happen on its own, but the electrical energy makes it happen.

The electrolytic cell is made up of two electrodes (aka electrical conductors), usually made of metal or another material that conducts electricity, submerged in an electrolyte solution (a liquid that conducts electricity). When the electrical energy from the power supply is applied, the electrodes react with the electrolyte, causing a chemical change.

Now, there are two main types of electrolytic cells - one where a metal is deposited onto one of the electrodes, and another where a compound is broken down into its elements. In simple terms, one type makes a metal coating, while the other type breaks down a substance into its parts.

Let's imagine it like a mini science lab where you use special tools and electricity to make cool chemical reactions happen. It's like being a magician making things happen with a flick of a wand, except here, you use electricity to make the magic.

So, that's the scoop on electrolytic cells - they're like little chemical factories powered by electricity, making non-spontaneous chemical reactions happen.

Revised and Fact checked by James Brown on 2023-11-17 02:12:06

Electrolytic Cell In a sentece

Learn how to use Electrolytic Cell inside a sentece

  • When you charge your phone, the battery uses an electrolytic cell to convert the electrical energy from the charger into chemical energy that can be stored.
  • In a process called electrolysis, an electrolytic cell is used to break down water into hydrogen and oxygen gas.
  • Electroplating uses an electrolytic cell to coat a metal with a thin layer of another metal, like when a piece of jewelry is coated with gold.
  • Some cars use electrolytic cells in their fuel cells to convert hydrogen and oxygen into electricity to power the car's motor.
  • In the process of electrorefining, an electrolytic cell is used to purify copper by removing impurities from the metal.

Electrolytic Cell Antonyms

Words that have the opposite context of the original word.

Electrolytic Cell Hypernyms

Words that are more generic than the original word.

Electrolytic Cell Meronyms

Words that are part of the original word.