Question
What happens to the mass of the negative electrode during electrolysis? Tick (surd ) one box. Decreases No change square Increases square
Answer
3.3
(246 Votes)
Donovan
Veteran · Tutor for 12 years
Answer
Increases
Explanation
## Step1: Assuming we are talking about a common electrochemical cell, electrolysis is a process by which electrical energy is used to produce a chemical reaction. ## Step2: In electrolysis, the electrode connected to the positive side of the power supply is called the positive electrode (or anode), while the electrode connected to the negative pole of the power supply is known as the negative electrode (or cathode). ## Step3: During electrolysis, oxidation happens at the anode and causes loss of electrons. Conversely, reduction happens at the cathode, leading to the gaining of electrons. ## Step4: When looking specifically at the mass of the negative electrode (cathode) during electrolysis, considering that it is the site of reduction, meaning it gains electrons, this commonly accompanies an increase in mass. This gain in mass is due to the deposition or electroplating of material (generally metal ions from the solution) onto the electrode due to the reduction reaction.