In an electrolytic cell, which statement is true about electron flow?

In an electrolytic cell, which statement is true about electron flow?

• A. It pushes electrons uphill from oxidant to reductant
• B. It pushes electrons downhill from reductant to oxidant
• C. It Allows spontaneous flow from reductant to oxidant
• D. It pushes electrons from Cathode to Anode

Answer: (A)

External energy forces the redox reaction in an electrolytic cell, so electrons are driven in the direction opposite to what would occur spontaneously. Normally, electrons flow from the reductant (the species donating electrons) to the oxidant (the species accepting electrons). The applied voltage pushes electrons the other way, from the oxidant toward the reductant, which is an uphill move in terms of redox potential. That is why the statement about electrons being pushed uphill from oxidant to reductant is the best description. The other options describe spontaneous flow or the wrong electrode-to-electrode direction for electron movement in the powered circuit.

External energy forces the redox reaction in an electrolytic cell, so electrons are driven in the direction opposite to what would occur spontaneously. Normally, electrons flow from the reductant (the species donating electrons) to the oxidant (the species accepting electrons). The applied voltage pushes electrons the other way, from the oxidant toward the reductant, which is an uphill move in terms of redox potential. That is why the statement about electrons being pushed uphill from oxidant to reductant is the best description. The other options describe spontaneous flow or the wrong electrode-to-electrode direction for electron movement in the powered circuit.