Which device converts the chemical energy of a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy?

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

Answer: (C)

A galvanic (voltaic) cell is the device that converts the chemical energy of a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy. In this setup, oxidation happens at the anode and electrons flow through an external circuit to the cathode, where reduction occurs. The flow of electrons generates electrical energy as the spontaneous reaction proceeds, because the overall cell potential is positive and Gibbs free energy decreases. An electrolytic cell would require an external power source to drive a non-spontaneous reaction, so it doesn’t rely on chemical energy releasing electricity on its own. Also, the anode and cathode are electrodes, not the energy-converting device themselves. So the unit that does the conversion is the galvanic cell.