"In an electrolysis of aqueous KOH with inert electrodes, the product(s) at the anode will be $O_{2(g)}$ and $H_2O_{(l)}$"

why though? I don't understand electrolytic cells. I keep getting confused with galvanic cell and electrolytic cell... can someone help me understand?

Question

"In an electrolysis of aqueous KOH with inert electrodes, the product(s) at the anode will be $O_{2(g)}$ and $H_2O_{(l)}$"

why though? I don't understand electrolytic cells. I keep getting confused with galvanic cell and electrolytic cell... can someone help me understand?

aaronq · Answer

electrolysis

electro = electricity

lysis= cutting

cutting apart a compound with electricity, by essentially donating electrons to the atoms making that compound and reducing them.

this differs from galvanic cells in that it's not a spontaneous process.