Electrochemistry is notorious for confusing electrode signs and reduction potentials. Here is the foolproof framework for MDCAT 2026.
1. Galvanic vs Electrolytic Cells Comparison
| Dimension | Galvanic (Voltaic) Cell | Electrolytic Cell |
|---|---|---|
| Energy Conversion | Chemical $\to$ Electrical (Spontaneous) | Electrical $\to$ Chemical (Non-spontaneous) |
| Anode Sign | Negative ($-$) | Positive ($+$) |
| Cathode Sign | Positive ($+$) | Negative ($-$) |
| Cell Potential ($E^\circ_{cell}$) | Positive ($>0$) | Negative ($<0$) |
Master Chemistry with Active Recall & FSRS-6
Stop passive re-reading and endless video watching. BeambePrep equips you with 11,000+ hand-crafted flashcards, Propolis Cognitive Autopsies, and 100% offline mobile & desktop apps.