Question

Define an electrolytic cell and explain all of the properties of such a cell.

Answer 1

An electrolytic cell is an electrochemical cell that undergoes a redox reaction when electrical energy is applied. It is most often used to decompose chemical compounds, in a process called electrolysis—the Greek word lysis means to break up. When electrical energy is added to the system, the chemical energy is increased, electrolytic cells usually consist of two half cells. examples of electrolysis are the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen.An electrolyte and two electrodes (a cathode and an anode). The electrolyte is usually asolution of water or other solvents in which ions are dissolved.

properties

When electrodes are placed in an electrolyte solution and a voltage is applied, the electrolyte will conduct electricity. Lone electrons cannot usually pass through the electrolyte; instead, a chemical reaction occurs at the cathode that consumes electrons from the anode. Another reaction occurs at the anode, producing electrons that are eventually transferred to the cathode. As a result, a negative charge cloud develops in the electrolyte around the cathode, and a positive charge develops around the anode. The ions in the electrolyte neutralize these charge

The anode reaction is:

2NaCl→2Na++Cl2+2e−

The cathode reaction is:

2H2O+2e−→2OH−+H2