Users' questions

Does the type of electrode affect electrolysis?

Does the type of electrode affect electrolysis?

The products of electrolysis depend upon the nature of electrodes as well. This means that, in the case of the inert electrode (for example, gold, and platinum), it does not participate in the reaction, whereas, in case the electrode that is used is reactive in nature, it takes part in the reaction.

What are the factors affecting the electrolysis products?

What are the factors affecting the product of electrolysis?

  • i) Nature and state of the electrolyte.
  • ii) Nature and electrode potential of ions present in the electrolyte.
  • iii) Nature of the electrode.
  • iv) Overvoltage at the electrodes.

What is the electrode used in electrolysis?

Carbon electrodes
Carbon electrodes are used in electrolysis due to their competence as a conductor and the number of free electrons they have available for transfer. Not only is carbon an efficient conductor, it also has a very high melting point. This means it can be used to facilitate a wide range of different reactions.

What are the 2 electrodes in the electrolysis?

Electrodes and ions The negatively charged electrode in electrolysis is called the cathode . Positively charged ions move towards the cathode. The positively charged electrode in electrolysis is called the anode .

How are the types of electrodes used in electrolysis related?

The discharge of ions during electrolysis can be influenced by the types of electrodes used. Some electrodes are inert (do not take part in electrolytic reaction) while other electrodes are reactive (which may influence the ionic discharge).

How does an inert electrode affect the electrolysis process?

That is, in the case of the inert electrode (say gold, platinum), it doesn’t participate in the reaction whereas if the electrode used is reactive in nature it takes part in the reaction. Various oxidizing and reducing species present in the electrolytic cell do affect the products of electrolysis.

How does oxidizing and reducing species affect electrolysis?

Various oxidising and reducing species present in the electrolytic cell do affect the products of electrolysis. The products of electrolysis depend on standard electrode potentials of the different oxidizing and reducing species present in the electrolytic cell.

How does the product of electrolysis depend on the overpotential?

Products of electrolysis depend on the value of this overpotential too. The products of electrolysis depend upon the nature of electrodes as well.