Question

What happens when voltage is increased during electrolysis?

Answer 1

1. Electrolysis is the process of bringing about a non-spontaneous chemical reaction with the help of electrical energy.
2. During electrolysis, an increase in voltage leads to an increase in the rate of the reaction.
3. Some energy is lost in the form of heat in this reaction.
4. Thus, the process requires more energy than the theoretically predicted value to complete the reaction.
5. The extra voltage that is provided is known as overvoltage or overpotential.
6. This voltage helps enhance the rate of reaction by resisting barriers like a large amount of activation energy.
7. The reaction becomes faster.
8. Hence, when voltage is increased during electrolysis, the rate of the reaction increases.