In an electrolytic cell, cations flow to the _______________ and anions flow to the ____________.

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Multiple Choice

In an electrolytic cell, cations flow to the _______________ and anions flow to the ____________.

Explanation:
In electrolysis, the external power source drives electrons to the cathode and pulls electrons away from the anode. Cations, being positively charged, are attracted to the electrode that accepts electrons—the cathode—and are reduced there. Anions, negatively charged, head to the electrode that donates electrons—the anode—and are oxidized there. So, cations flow to the cathode and anions flow to the anode. For example, in molten NaCl, Na+ ions move to the cathode to become Na metal, while Cl− ions move to the anode to form Cl2 gas.

In electrolysis, the external power source drives electrons to the cathode and pulls electrons away from the anode. Cations, being positively charged, are attracted to the electrode that accepts electrons—the cathode—and are reduced there. Anions, negatively charged, head to the electrode that donates electrons—the anode—and are oxidized there. So, cations flow to the cathode and anions flow to the anode. For example, in molten NaCl, Na+ ions move to the cathode to become Na metal, while Cl− ions move to the anode to form Cl2 gas.

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