In electrolysis, what occurs at the cathode?

Study for the IMAT Chemistry Exam. Access flashcards and multiple choice questions; hints and explanations included for each question. Prepare effectively for your exam.

Multiple Choice

In electrolysis, what occurs at the cathode?

Explanation:
Reduction is what happens at the cathode. In electrolysis, the cathode is the electrode where electrons are supplied to the species in the electrolyte, so cations gain electrons and are reduced to neutral atoms or lower oxidation states. Oxidation occurs at the anode, where electrons are removed. Ionization and precipitation aren’t the defining process at the cathode, though precipitation can occur if the reduced product is insoluble.

Reduction is what happens at the cathode. In electrolysis, the cathode is the electrode where electrons are supplied to the species in the electrolyte, so cations gain electrons and are reduced to neutral atoms or lower oxidation states. Oxidation occurs at the anode, where electrons are removed. Ionization and precipitation aren’t the defining process at the cathode, though precipitation can occur if the reduced product is insoluble.

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