Question

In an electrolysis experiment, after some times, the battery connection is reversed. Then,
A. the electrolysis will stop
B. the rate of liberation of material at electrodes will increase
C. the rate of liberation will decrease
D. the rate of liberation will remain unchanged
E. more heat will be produced at the electrodes

Answer 1

Change in the polarity does not affect the electrolysis process.

Complete step by step solution:
If the battery connection is reversed in an electrolysis experiment, then only the polarities of the electrode change but the electrolysis process continues to take place and the rate at which liberation of materials take place at the electrode will not change.

Hence the correct option is (D).

Additional Information: Electrolysis is a process in which electric current is passed through a substance to effect a chemical change. The chemical change is one in which the substance loses or gains an electron. The process is carried out in an electrolytic cell, an apparatus consisting of positive and negative electrodes held apart and dipped into a solution containing positively and negatively charged ions. There are two electrodes, positive or negative. The positive electrode is called anode and the negative electrode is called cathode. Oxidation and reduction reactions take place at these electrodes. The substance to be transformed may form the electrode, may constitute the solution, or may be dissolved in the solution. Electric current enters through the negatively charged electrode (cathode). The products can be neutral elements or new molecules.

Note: Components of the solution also travel to the other electrode (anode), give up their electrons, and are transformed (oxidized) to neutral elements or new molecules. Electrolysis is used in metallurgical processes, such as in extraction or purification of metals from ores or compounds and in deposition of metals from solution.