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Question

Where does reduction happen in electrolysis?


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Solution

Electrolysis: Electrolysis is defined as a process of decomposing ionic compounds into their elements by passing a direct electric current through the aqueous solution of the compound.

Example: Electrolysis of molten Sodium chloride (NaCl)

When an electric current is passed through molten sodium chloride,

At cathode:

  • Sodium ion is attracted by the cathode, from which, it takes an electrode and becomes a sodium atom.

Na++e-Na

At anode:

  • Chloride ion reaches the anode, gives its electron, and becomes chlorine atom to form chlorine molecule.

2Cl-Cl2+2e-

Hence, the reduction will occur at cathode.


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