Question

What process occurs at the anode of an electrolytic cell? At the catho de?

Answer 1

Oxidation at the anode, reduction at the cathode.

Explanation:

In an electrolytic cell, the anode is positive, and the cathode is negative. So, that means that anions are attracted to the anode, while cations are attracted to the cathode, since opposite charges attract.

Anions have to be oxidized (lose electrons) to become neutral elements, while cations have to be reduced (gain electrons) to become neutral atoms.

So, oxidation happens at the anode, while reduction happens at the cathode.