Question

Electrolysis is not a redox process.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is B

False

Electrolysis is the dissociation of electrolyte i.e., oxidation and reduction takes place at the same time. The reaction at the cathode involves reduction of cations as they gain electrons to become neutral atoms and oxidation takes place at the anode as they lose electrons to become neutral.

$\underset{aqueous}{NaCl}\rightleftharpoons N{a}^{+}+C{l}^{-}$

At cathode: $N{a}^{+}+e^{-}\to$ Na (reduction)

At anode: $C{l}^{-}-e^{-}\to Cl$ (oxidation)

$Cl+Cl\to C{l}_2$

Overall reaction: $2NaCl\to 2Na+C{l}_2$