An electrochemical cell in which a spontaneous redox reaction is used to generate an electrical current is called the

• A. Electrolytic Cell
• B. Anode
• C. Cathode
• D. Galvanic Cell

Answer: (D)

A galvanic (voltaic) cell is the device in which a spontaneous redox reaction supplies the electrical current. Here chemical energy is directly converted into electrical energy as electrons flow through an external circuit from the site of oxidation to the site of reduction. The electrode where oxidation occurs becomes the negative terminal, and the electrode where reduction occurs becomes the positive terminal. Because the reaction proceeds spontaneously, the cell has a positive emf and can deliver current without external input. This contrasts with an electrolytic cell, which requires an external power source to drive a non-spontaneous reaction and does not generate current on its own.