What happens when current passes through an electrolyte?

Short Answer

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Question: Explain the process of electrolysis and the role of anodes and cathodes during the reaction. Answer: Electrolysis is a process in which electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. When an electric current passes through an electrolyte, the ions migrate towards the electrodes. The electrodes consist of an anode, where the oxidation reaction takes place, and a cathode, where the reduction reaction takes place. The anode is connected to the positive terminal and the cathode is connected to the negative terminal of a power source. During the electrolysis process, cations move towards the cathode and undergo reduction, while anions move towards the anode and undergo oxidation. Products are formed at both the anode and the cathode, depending on the electrolyte and the electrodes used in the process.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction of Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a process in which electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. When an electric current is passed through an electrolyte (a conducting solution or molten ionic compound), the ions in the electrolyte migrate towards the electrodes where reduction and oxidation reactions occur.
02

Electrode Setup

In electrolysis, there are two electrodes: (1) the anode, where the oxidation reaction takes place, and (2) the cathode, where the reduction reaction takes place. The electrodes are connected to a power source, with the anode being connected to the positive terminal and the cathode being connected to the negative terminal.
03

Ion Migration

When the electric current passes through the electrolyte, the positively charged ions (cations) move towards the cathode, and the negatively charged ions (anions) move towards the anode. The ions are attracted to their respective electrodes due to the difference in charges.
04

Reduction at Cathode

At the cathode, the cations gain electrons from the electrode and undergo reduction. The general equation for the reduction process happening at the cathode is: \[ Cation_n + n e^- \rightarrow Atom \ or \ reduced \ species \] where n is the number of electrons gained.
05

Oxidation at Anode

At the anode, the anions lose electrons to the electrode and undergo oxidation. The general equation for oxidation happening at the anode is: \[ Anion_n - n e^- \rightarrow Atom \ or \ oxidized \ species\] where n is the number of electrons lost.
06

Products of Electrolysis

During the electrolysis process, products are formed at both the anode and the cathode. At the cathode, metal ions or hydrogen ions are usually reduced, while at the anode, non-metal ions or hydroxide ions are oxidized. The type of products formed depends on the electrolyte and the electrodes used in the process. Overall, when current passes through an electrolyte, it leads to the movement of ions, and the reduction and oxidation reactions occur at the respective electrodes, resulting in the formation of new products.

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