Is the electrode where H+ ions are reduced to hydrogen gas a positive or negative electrode? Please explain why.

1 Answer

You describe a cathodic process, i.e. at the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell.....

Explanation:

Reduction is conceived to occur at the cathode.......

#H^(+) + e^(-) rarr 1/2H_2(g) uarr#

The oxidation state of hydrogen has been reduced from #+I# to #0#...a cathodic process.......