What is the purpose of an electrolytic cell?

An electrolytic cell serves the primary function of providing energy to drive non-spontaneous redox reactions. In an electrolytic cell, an external power source, such as a battery or a power supply, is used to push electrons through the cell, allowing a chemical reaction to occur that would not take place under standard conditions. This is particularly useful in processes such as electrolysis, where compounds are broken down into their constituent elements or simpler compounds.

The operation of an electrolytic cell is fundamentally different from that of a galvanic cell, where spontaneous reactions occur and generate electrical energy without the need for an outside power source. Using electrical energy to induce a chemical change exemplifies the principles of electrochemistry, highlighting the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions.

The other options do not accurately reflect the primary purpose of an electrolytic cell. While gas exchanges might occur during certain electrochemical processes, and heat can be a byproduct of any chemical reaction, these are not the main objectives of an electrolytic cell.