Question

Which statement about electrolytic cells is correct?
The anode is positive, and it is where reduction occurs.
The anode is negative, and it is where reduction occurs.
The anode is positive, and it is where oxidation occurs.
The anode is negative, and it is where oxidation occurs.

Answer 1

An electrolytic cell reaction has a positive delta G what this means is that delta G our free energy, is greater than zero and that the reaction does not happen spontaneously. Because of this, we need to have an outside source to make the reaction go. So in essence we are forcing electrons to go where they don't want to.

Naturally, the anode is oxidation where the electrons are lost cathode is reduction where the electrons are gained. Naturally electrons go from the anode to the cathode. But that's in a galvanic cell. In an electrolytic cell the electrons are going the opposite way cathode to anode. So the cathode would be positive the anode would be negative. but the Anode is essentially where oxidation takes place and the Cathode where reduction takes place in both cases.

Take a look at this formula

For an electrolytic cell,

Delta G = -nFE

The reduction potential E cell is negative which means that dElta G would be positive


@dmoney007