Electrolysis is a process in which electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction, occurring in an electrolytic cell where two electrodes are immersed in an electrolyte solution. During electrolysis, positive ions (cations) migrate towards the negatively charged cathode, where they gain electrons and are reduced, while negative ions (anions) move towards the positively charged anode, where they lose electrons and are oxidized. This movement of ions and the corresponding oxidation-reduction reactions at the electrodes are essential for the electrochemical processes that take place during electrolysis, allowing for the extraction of elements and the preparation of various compounds
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the process in which a chemical reaction takes place at the expense of electrical energy, typically occurring in an electrolytic cell
What is an electrolytic cell?
An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell in which electric current is used to drive a non-spontaneous reaction
What happens to cations during electrolysis?
Cations, which are positively charged ions, migrate towards the negatively charged cathode, where they gain electrons and are reduced
What occurs at the anode during electrolysis?
At the anode, negative ions (anions) give up electrons and are oxidized
How does electrolytic conduction occur?
Electrolytic conduction occurs through the movement of ionic charges in the liquid when electricity is applied, allowing electrochemical reactions to take place
What is the primary process that occurs during electrolysis?
a) Spontaneous chemical reaction
b) Non-spontaneous chemical reaction
c) Physical change
d) Thermal decomposition
Answer: b) Non-spontaneous chemical reaction
In an electrolytic cell, what is the role of the cathode?
a) To oxidize anions
b) To reduce cations
c) To conduct electricity
d) To decompose the electrolyte
Answer: b) To reduce cations
What happens to anions during electrolysis?
a) They are reduced at the cathode
b) They are oxidized at the anode
c) They remain unchanged
d) They are converted to cations
Answer: b) They are oxidized at the anode
What type of current is typically used in electrolysis?
a) Alternating current (AC)
b) Direct current (DC)
c) Pulsating current
d) High-frequency current
Answer: b) Direct current (DC)
What is produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?
a) Chlorine gas
b) Sodium metal
c) Sodium chloride
d) Hydrogen gas
Answer: b) Sodium metal