Question

Why is direct current used in electrolysis?

Answer 1

Alternating Current(AC)

It is an electric current which periodically reverses direction and changes its magnitude continuously with time.

Direct Current(DC)

It is an electric current that flows only in one direction.

Direct current is used in electrolysis because of the following reasons:

1. In electrolysis, the ionization of an electrolyte takes place when the positive and negative charges are deposited and negative and positive electrodes respectively.
2. For this, the polarity of electrodes should be maintained opposite throughout the process.
3. This is possible only if the DC current is supplied.
4. If we use AC in place of DC then the polarity of electrodes keeps changing and electrolysis will not take place.

Hence, Direct Current is used in electrolysis.