Galvanic cell

An electrochemical cell that converts energy from a spontaneous redox reaction into electrical energy. It uses separated oxidation and reduction half-reactions to drive electron flow through an external circuit.

Anode: The electrode at which oxidation occurs in an electrochemical cell. Oxidation at the anode releases electrons into the external circuit.
Redox reaction: A chemical reaction in which electrons are transferred and oxidation states change. A spontaneous redox reaction supplies the chemical energy converted by the cell.
Battery: One or more electrochemical cells that store chemical energy and deliver electrical energy. Batteries package galvanic reactions as portable or stationary power sources.
Electrolytic cell: An electrochemical cell that uses external electrical energy to drive a nonspontaneous chemical reaction. It reverses the energy direction: electricity drives chemistry rather than chemistry producing electricity.
Cathode: The electrode at which reduction occurs in an electrochemical cell. Electrons arriving through the circuit are consumed by reduction at the cathode.
Oxidation: The loss of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule, often accompanied by an increase in oxidation state. The cell’s oxidation half-reaction sends electrons into its circuit.
Primary cell: An electrochemical cell designed for use until its reactants are substantially consumed, rather than recharging. Its spontaneous reaction provides electricity once, without practical electrical regeneration.
Fuel cell: An electrochemical device that continuously converts the chemical energy of supplied fuel and oxidant into electricity. It is a galvanic system whose reactants are replenished during operation.
Salt bridge: An ionic connection between electrolyte compartments that maintains electrical neutrality while limiting their direct mixing. Its ion flow prevents charge buildup from stopping the cell reaction.
Reduction: The gain of electrons by an atom, ion, or molecule, often accompanied by a decrease in oxidation state. The cell’s reduction half-reaction draws electrons from its circuit.

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