Do we need salt bridges in Electrolytic cells?

[jaumzaum]

I was wondering if we really need salt bridges when doing Electrolysis. I would answer yes, because we need to neutralize the charges in both sides, or the potential difference of the Electrolytic cell will keep increasing until the generator that is connected to it is not able to supply any current. But why all the pictures in the didactic chemistry books I read make sure they put a salt bridge or a membrane in a Galvanic Cell, but they never put it in a Electrolytic cell? Is it not necessary? If so, why?

 

[Borek]

Think in terms of closing the circuit.

 

[jaumzaum]

Think in terms of closing the circuit.

Sorry, I didn't get what you mean. The salt bridge would actually help to "close" the circuit, wouldn't it?

 

[Borek]

Yes.

Draw a full circuit (cell and all surrounding elements) containing an electrolytic cell and a a full circuit with a galvanic cell. Try to mark a closed current path for each circuit.