The difference between a "galvanic cell" and "electrolyte cell"

[Wayne]

Hi

Reading Electrochemistry by Hamann [1998, p.237] he says that If a cell has
a non offset (no DC) ac signal applied it will operate like "galvanic cell"
rather than an "electrolyte cell".
I was under the impression that they were the same thing. However, a good
old search on Google reveled the following difference:

- Galvanic cell: DeltaG < 0; spontaneous; -DeltaG =
maximum
electric work output

- Electrolyte cell: DeltaG > 0; non-spontaneous; DeltaG = minimum
electric work needed

Does this mean that a Galvanic will produce electrical energy and a
electrolyte cell with produce chemical?

Can someone clear this up for me?

Cheers

Wayne

 

[[email protected]]

Yes, this is correct.

See also the Electrochemistry Dictionary at
http://electrochem.cwru.edu/ed/dict.htm
Good luck, and Happy New Year: Z.N.

 

[John Woodgate]

(in <[email protected]>) about 'The
difference between a "galvanic cell" and "electrolyte cell"', on Tue, 4
Jan 2005:

Yes, this is correct.

No it isn't! (;-)

 

[WayneL]

Help!

Is it or isn't it and could you please explain you answer? (No this is not
an exam question - just a pursuit for knowledge)

Cheers

Wayne