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Which ions (positive or negative) will be reduced during electrolysis?

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Which ions (positive or negative) will be reduced during electrolysis?

Which ions (positive or negative) will be reduced during electrolysis?

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IonaMaster · Tutor for 5 years

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Positive ions

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The question asks that during electrolysis, which ions -positive or negative- get reduced. Understanding the fundamental concepts of electrolysis and redox reactions is helpful for this. <br /><br />Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It often occurs in an electrolytic cell, where two electrodes are submerged in a liquid or solution and are connected to an external power supply. When the supply is switched on, electric current passes through the solution/compound, causing ions to move towards the electrodes.<br /><br />In these redox (reduction-oxidation) reactions- oxidation corresponds to the loss of electrons, leading to an increase in oxidation state. On the contrary, reduction designates the gain of electrons, resulting in a decrease of the oxidation state.<br /><br />Now, during electrolysis, positive ions or cations migrate towards the cathode, the negative electrode. The positive ions gain electrons from the cathode, going through a reduction. Therefore, the positive ions are reduced during electrolysis in a traditional electrochemical setup.<br /><br />To answer this in simple terms: Positive ions will be reduced during electrolysis.
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