Answer – No, electrolytic cells do not have salt bridges.
Explanation:
An electrolytic cell is a type of chemical cell in which an external source of electricity enables a non-spontaneous redox reaction. It comprises two electrodes – a negatively charged cathode and a positively charged anode – placed in the same container with a molten or aqueous electrolyte.
This is unlike a galvanic cell where the two electrodes are placed in different containers filled with electrolyte. The redox reaction in such a cell occurs spontaneously without the need for an external electric source. This causes ions to build up near each electrode, creating a charge imbalance.
Thus, a salt bridge is introduced to connect the electrolyte in both containers. It reduces the concentration of the same type of ions by pumping ions of the opposite charge into each container. This further ensures that the positive and negative charges are balanced and hence the electrons flow smoothly from one electrode to the other in the cell.
In the case of an electrolytic cell, both electrodes occur in the same container. This leads to both types of ions (cations and anions) being released in the same electrolyte and hence charges being balanced on their own. Therefore, an electrolytic cell does not require a salt bridge to be introduced for maintaining charge neutrality.
