This document discusses electrochemical cells, which can generate electrical energy from chemical reactions (voltaic cells) or use electrical energy to cause chemical reactions (electrolytic cells). Voltaic cells rely on spontaneous redox reactions to produce electricity, as in batteries. Electrolytic cells require an external electrical input to drive non-spontaneous redox reactions, such as in water electrolysis or electroplating. The document explains the basic concepts and applications of both voltaic and electrolytic cells.