Question

What happens at the anode during electrolysis?

Answer 1

Electrolysis

• It is a process that leads to chemical change when an electric current is passed through an electrolyte.
• During the electrolysis process, the negatively charged ions lose the electrons and undergo oxidation while the positively charged ions gain the electrons and undergo the reduction process.

At anode:

• At the anode, electrons leave the electrolyte.
• It is connected to the positive terminal of the battery.
• The anions are discharged at the anode.
• Oxidation takes place at the anode.

During electrolysis of molten Sodium chloride $\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$, the reactions that take place at the anode and cathode are discussed below:

$$\begin{gathered} \mathrm{At}\mathrm{anode}:2{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\left(\mathrm{aq}\right)-2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to {\mathrm{Cl}}_2\left(\mathrm{g}\right) \\ \mathrm{At}\mathrm{cathode}:2{\mathrm{Na}}^{+}+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to 2\mathrm{Na}\left(\mathrm{s}\right) \end{gathered}$$