Chemistry Regents Practice Test 2026 – Complete Prep Resource

In an operating electrolytic cell, the conversion that takes place is from electrical energy to chemical energy. This occurs because an electrolytic cell uses a direct current (DC) supply to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. When electricity is passed through the electrolyte, it causes a chemical change by breaking down compounds or facilitating reactions at the electrodes, thus storing energy in the form of chemical bonds.

In this process, the electrical energy provided by the power source is transformed into chemical potential energy as products are formed at the electrodes. For example, in the electrolysis of water, electrical energy is converted to chemical energy, resulting in the formation of hydrogen and oxygen gases.

This contrasts with other options listed, which involve different types of energy transformations that do not apply to the operation of an electrolytic cell.