What is an electrolytic cell? How does it work? Explain briefly.

Electrolytic cells are a class of electrochemical cells that use electric currents to facilitate the cell reaction.

It is often used to decompose chemical compounds, in a process called electrolysis, the Greek word lysis means to break up.

It uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous redox reaction. 

Working of Electrolytic Cell:

 In electrolytic cells, there are two electrodes, the cathode is negatively charged and the anode is positively charged electrode.

When the wire is connected to power, electrical energy is converted into chemical energy.

The positively charged ions (cations) flow towards the cathode whereas the negatively charged ions (Anions) flow towards the anode.

The redox reaction is spontaneous and is responsible for the production of electrical energy.

The reaction at the anode is oxidation and that at the cathode is reduction. The electrons are supplied by the species getting oxidized.