Question

Where does reduction happen in electrolysis?

Answer 1

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 $\left(\mathrm{NaCl}\right)$

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.

${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}+{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to \mathrm{Na}$

At anode:

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

$2{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\to {\mathrm{Cl}}_2+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}$

Hence, the reduction will occur at cathode.