Question

Select the true statement about oxidation and reduction in an electrolytic cell.
A) Both oxidation and reduction occur at the anode.
B) Both oxidation and reduction occur at the cathode.
C) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode.
D) Oxidation occurs at the cathode and reduction occurs at the anode.

Answer 1

C) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode.

Answer 2

Answer:

C) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode.

Explanation:

Electrolytic cells are a form of electrochemical cells in which a non-spontaneous redox reaction is driven by the application of electrical energy. Here electrical energy is converted to chemical energy.

These are composed of two half cells; a positively charged anode where oxidation takes place and a negatively charged cathode where reduction takes place. The two electrodes are placed in the same container that holds the molten electrolyte.

For example, the decomposition of salt (NaCl) is carried out in an electrolytic cell. The overall reaction is:

$2NaCl(l)\rightleftharpoons 2Na(s) + Cl_{2}(g)$

At cathode: Reduction

Na^{+} + e- \rightleftharpoons Na(s)

At anode: oxidation

2Cl^{-}+ 2e-\rightleftharpoons Cl_{2}(g)