Final answer:
Voltaic cells and electrolytic cells are similar in that they both involve electrochemical reactions. However, a voltaic cell produces electrical energy from a spontaneous redox reaction, while an electrolytic cell consumes electrical energy to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
Voltaic cells and electrolytic cells are similar in that they both involve electrochemical reactions. However, their main difference lies in how they generate or consume electrical energy.
In a voltaic cell, a spontaneous redox reaction releases energy, which is harnessed to produce electrical energy. This type of cell is also known as a galvanic cell.
On the other hand, an electrolytic cell consumes electrical energy from an external source to drive a nonspontaneous redox reaction, meaning the reaction would not occur on its own.