Final answer:
A galvanic cell converts the energy released by a spontaneous redox reaction to electrical energy, while an electrolytic cell consumes electrical energy from an external source to cause a nonspontaneous redox reaction to occur.
Step-by-step explanation:
A galvanic (voltaic) cell converts the energy released by a spontaneous redox reaction to electrical energy, while an electrolytic cell consumes electrical energy from an external source to cause a nonspontaneous redox reaction to occur.
In a galvanic cell, the oxidation half-reaction occurs at the anode and the reduction half-reaction occurs at the cathode. Electrons flow from the anode to the cathode through an external circuit. In an electrolytic cell, the anode is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, while the cathode is connected to the negative terminal. Electrons are forced to flow from the external power supply to the cathode, driving a nonspontaneous redox reaction.