Electrolysis


 
 
Concept Explanation
 

Electrolysis

Electrolysis:

In the diagram, rods are made of conducting material (called electrodes). The electrode connected to the negative terminal of battery is called cathode and the one connected to positive terminal of battery is called anode.

The liquid that conducts electricity because of presence of ions is called electrolyte. Examples are: salt solution, dilute solution of acids.

A process called electrolysis occurs in an electrolytic cell when a current is passed through the electrolyte.

The production of a chemical reaction by passing an electric current through an electrolyte is called electrolysis. An electrolyte contains ions, which are charged. The positively charged ions are called cations, because they are attracted to the cathode, and the negatively charged ones are called anions, because they are attracted to the anode. We know that unlike charges attract and like charges repel. A chemical reaction takes place at the anode and the cathode. This can be observed as formation of bubbles or decomposition of metal on electrodes.

The oxygen bubbles are formed on the electrode (called anode) connected to the positive terminal of the battery and hydrogen bubbles are formed on the other electrode (called cathode) connected to the negative terminal of the battery.

We thus, conclude that the passage of an electric current through an ionic solution causes chemical changes.

 

Sample Questions
(More Questions for each concept available in Login)
Question : 1

Electrodes in a voltaic cell accumulate higher potential and lower potential due to

Right Option : B
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Explanation
Question : 2

Dilute sulphric acid splits into:

Right Option : D
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Explanation
Question : 3
Column - I Column - II
A. Electrode position P. Ionize partially
B. Weak electrolyte Q. Collect on positively charged electrode
C. Cations R. Ionize completely
D. Anions S. Electro plating
E. Strong electrolyte T. Collect on negatively charged electrode

 

Right Option : B
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Explanation
 
 
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