Why do Cathodes carry a positive charge and Anodes carry a negative charge in galvanic cells, but in electrolytic cells, Cathodes have a negative charge and Anodes have a positive charge? I’m a grade 12 chemistry student and I’m having trouble understanding this concept. Could someone please explain the rationale behind this apparent reversal of charges in the two types of cells?
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In a galvanic cell you are connecting two metals with a wire and letting them react with each other, producing electricity. The amount of electricity *produced* depends on which two metals you connect.
In an electrolytic cell you are APPLYING electricity to *force* the reaction to run in the opposite direction. The amount of electricity *required* depends on which two metals you connect.
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