As galvanic cells are spontaneous they need to acquire energy for getting converted into electrolytic cell. Further the anode and the cathode of the galvanic cell are switched and the reaction is termed to be done in reverse manner so that the galvanic cell gets converted into electrolytic cell.

What happens when a galvanic cell turns into an electrolytic cell?

A Galvanic cell converts chemical energy into electrical energy. An electrolytic cell converts electrical energy into chemical energy. Here, 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.

Are galvanic cells electrolytic cell?

There are two types of electrochemical cells: galvanic, also called Voltaic, and electrolytic. Galvanic cells derives its energy from spontaneous redox reactions, while electrolytic cells involve non-spontaneous reactions and thus require an external electron source like a DC battery or an AC power source.