Which two processes primarily occur during electrolysis?

Which two processes primarily occur during electrolysis?

• A. Oxidation at the cathode and reduction at the anode
• B. Reduction at the anode and oxidation at the cathode
• C. Oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode
• D. Decomposition and sublimation

Answer: (C)

During electrolysis, the fundamental processes that occur are oxidation and reduction, which are defined by the movement of electrons and the production of chemical species at the electrodes. The correct pairing is oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode. In electrolysis, when an electrical current is passed through an electrolyte, the positive ions migrate towards the cathode (the negative electrode) where they gain electrons, which is the process of reduction. Conversely, at the anode (the positive electrode), negative ions or the anode reactants lose electrons, leading to oxidation. This relationship is consistent with the conservation of charge and the basic principles of redox chemistry. In simpler terms, oxidation involves the loss of electrons (which happens at the anode), while reduction involves the gain of electrons (which occurs at the cathode). This dual process is what drives the chemical reactions, facilitating the decomposition of the electrolyte into its constituent elements. The other options do not correctly describe the electron transfer processes that are central to electrolysis. Decomposition and sublimation, referenced in options such as decomposition and sublimation, refer to the physical changes of substances and do not represent the fundamental electrochemical reactions occurring in electrolysis.

During electrolysis, the fundamental processes that occur are oxidation and reduction, which are defined by the movement of electrons and the production of chemical species at the electrodes. The correct pairing is oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode.

In electrolysis, when an electrical current is passed through an electrolyte, the positive ions migrate towards the cathode (the negative electrode) where they gain electrons, which is the process of reduction. Conversely, at the anode (the positive electrode), negative ions or the anode reactants lose electrons, leading to oxidation. This relationship is consistent with the conservation of charge and the basic principles of redox chemistry.

In simpler terms, oxidation involves the loss of electrons (which happens at the anode), while reduction involves the gain of electrons (which occurs at the cathode). This dual process is what drives the chemical reactions, facilitating the decomposition of the electrolyte into its constituent elements.

The other options do not correctly describe the electron transfer processes that are central to electrolysis. Decomposition and sublimation, referenced in options such as decomposition and sublimation, refer to the physical changes of substances and do not represent the fundamental electrochemical reactions occurring in electrolysis.