Question

What process occurs at the anode of an electrolytic cell? Also at the cathode?

Answer 1

We know that an electrolytic cell can be described as the electrochemical device or equipment which uses electrical energy to facilitate a non-spontaneous redox reaction. Electrolytic cells are also known as electrochemical cells which can be used for the electrolysis of certain compounds.

Complete answer:
Let us discuss about the electrolytic cell and how this process occurs:-
-Electrolytic cell: It is also known as an electrochemical cell which uses electrical energy to facilitate a non-spontaneous redox reaction. It is used to decompose chemical compounds in a process called electrolysis which means using electricity to break up.
-This cell has three component parts which are an electrolyte and two electrodes (a cathode and an anode). The electrolyte is usually a solution ions that are dissolved in water or other solvents. A cathode is a negatively charged electrode and anode is a positively charged electrode.
-When an electricity is passed, the cathode becomes electron rich and all the positively charged ions i.e., cations run toward it whereas anode being positively charged attracts all the negatively charged ions i.e., anions.
-The anode consumes the electrons from the ions and makes them neutral by oxidizing them. Hence, oxidation takes place at anode of the electrolytic cell.
-The cathode donates electrons to the ions and makes them neutral by reducing them. Hence, reduction takes place at the cathode of the electrolytic cell.

Note:
-Remember that oxidation is the loss of electrons or increase in the oxidation state of the atom or an ion whereas reduction is the gain of electrons or decrease in the oxidation state of an atom or an ion.
-In galvanic cell, anode is negatively charged and cathode is positively charged whereas in electrolytic cell, anode is positively charged and cathode is negatively charged.