Question

For the process of electrolysis which of the following statements is appropriate?

(a) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode

(b) Oxidation occurs at the cathode and reduction occurs at the anode

(c) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction doesn’t take place

(d) Reduction occur at the cathode and oxidation doesn’t take place

This question was addressed to me during an interview.

My question is taken from Electrochemical Reduction Methods topic in division Preparative Methods of Solid State Chemistry

Answer 1

The correct answer is (a) Oxidation occurs at the anode and reduction occurs at the cathode

Explanation: During the process of electrolysis, oxidation which means gaining oxygen atoms or loosing hydrogen or loosing electrons take place at the anode. Whereas reduction which means losing oxygen atoms or gaining hydrogen or gaining electrons take place at cathode.