Question

Explain how electrolysis is an example of a redox reaction.

Answer 1

1. The process that happens by the application of electric current is electrolysis since it involves chemical changes by the passage of electricity.
2. The chemical changes or reactions are oxidation and reduction.
3. Electrolysis needs two types of electrodes positive or anode electrode and negative or cathode electrode.
4. Oxidation is happening on the positive electrode and reduction is happening on the negative electrode.
5. For an example coper electrolysis with copper sulfate solution($\mathit{C}\mathit{u}\mathit{S}{\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{4}}$), the anodic and cathodic reaction is,

Cathode:$\underset{Copperions}{C{u}^{2+}}+2e^{-}\to \underset{Copper}{Cu}$

Anode: $Cu\to C{u}^{2+}+2e^{-}$

Since both reduction and oxidation is happening on the same specie, electrolysis is a redox reaction.