What is an electrochemical cell

An electrochemical cell is a device for the conversion of electrical to chemical energy, and vice versa, by way of redox reactions. Electrochemical cells consist of two metal electrodes (an anode and a cathode) in contact with an electrolyte that is able to conduct ions but not electrons. [Pg.286]

There are two types of electrochemical cell. A galvanic cell uses a spontaneous chemical reaction to produce an external electric current. Galvanic cells are called batteries in colloquial speech. Electrolytic cells, employed for electrolysis and electroplating, use external electrical power to force nonspontaneous chemical reactions to take place. [Pg.286]