Name: Electroplating
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 5 min 25 s
Description: It is the brilliance and rigour of the human mind that technology follows science. Once we realise the flow of free metal ions, let’s visualise how we put th...

Question

Draw the diagram of electrolytic cell and explain.

Accepted Answer

An electrolytic cell is defined as an electrochemical device that uses electrical energy for electrolysis of certain compounds.

The basic component of an electrolytic cell are

A battery

Electrodes

Electrolyte

The figure given below illustrates the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride $(NaCl)$ with an electrolytic cell.

Two electrodes which are connected to the terminals of battery are dipped in the $NaCl$ electrolyte. The electrode which is connected to the positive terminal of the battery is known as anode and which is connected to the negative terminal is known as cathode.

When the circuit is complete and electricity is passed, the electrolyte will dissociate into ${Na}^{+}$ and ${Cl}^{-}$ .

Also, the cathode will become electron rich, develops negative charge and as a result, ${Na}^{+}$ ions are attracted towards cathode and get deposited on it.

Similarly, ${Cl}^{-}$ ions are attracted towards anode and results in the formation of chlorine gas at anode.

Thus, an electrolytic cell can be used to generate chlorine gas and metallic sodium by electrolysis of molten $NaCl$ .

Draw the diagram of electrolytic cell and explain.

Important Questions on Electrical Conductivity of Liquids

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