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Twin: The Anode/Cathode Charge-Sign Reversal

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State

A galvanic cell's anode is negative and cathode positive, but an electrolytic cell's anode is positive and cathode negative, since an external source now forces electron flow.

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A galvanic zinc anode loses electrons willingly, reading negative; an electrolytic anode is forced to give up electrons, reading positive.

Watch for

Carrying galvanic signs onto an electrolytic cell reverses both electrodes, though "anode oxidizes" still holds.