Question

In an electrolytic cell, the current flows from:

• A. Cathode to anode in outer circuit
• B. Anode to cathode in outer circuit
• C. Cathode to anode inside the cell
• D. Current does not flow

Answer 1

The correct option is A Cathode to anode in outer circuit

Electrolytic cell uses electric current to drive a oxidation-reduction reaction.
Electrolytic cell works by applying potential to cell and causes electric current to flow through the cell.
Here, non-spontaneous reactions take place using external voltage​.
$\Delta G>0,E_{cell}<0$

Construction of electrolytic cell:
In electrolytic cell, an external battery is connected for the source of electrons.
Here, cathode is attached​ to the negative terminal of the battery where the reduction occurs so, cathode act as negative terminal.

Anode is attached​ to the positive terminal of the battery where oxidation occurs so, anode act as positive terminal.
Here, the electron will flow from battery to cathode. Thus, the current will flows from the cathode to anode in the outer circuit.