The Electrolytic Cell

The battery charger forces the galvanic cell to run backwards, turning it into an electrolytic cell. Cu(s) + Zn2+ ---> Cu2+ + Zn(s) Reduction now takes place at the Zn (-) electrode. Oxidation now takes place at the Cu (+) electrode. Cu2+ + 2 e+ Cu(s) Eo = +0.34 volts Zn2+ + 2 e+ Zn(s) Eo = -0.76 volts