Electrode potential Potential of a cell assembled of two electrodes can be determined from the two individual electrode potentials using or, equivalently, This follows from the IUPAC definition of the electric potential difference of a galvanic cell, according to which the electric potential difference of a cell is the difference of the potentials of the electrodes on the right and the left of the galvanic cell. When Δ"V" is positive, then positive electrical charge flows through the cell from the left electrode (anode) to the right electrode (cathode). Electrode potential Electrode potential, "E", in chemistry or electrochemistry, according to a IUPAC definition,
Electrolytic cell and an anode). The electrolyte is usually a solution of water or other solvents in which ions are dissolved. Molten salts such as sodium chloride are also electrolytes. When driven by an external voltage applied to the electrodes, the ions in the electrolyte are attracted to an electrode with the opposite charge, where charge-transferring (also called faradaic or redox) reactions can take place. Only with an external electrical potential (i.e. voltage) of correct polarity and sufficient magnitude can an electrolytic cell decompose a normally stable, or inert chemical compound in the solution. The electrical energy provided can produce a chemical