Chemistry – Electrochemistry - Electrolysis | e-Consult

(a) The anode is the positive electrode. This is because in an electrolytic cell, positive ions (cations) are attracted to the cathode and negative ions (anions) are attracted to the anode. Therefore, the cations must move towards the anode, resulting in a build-up of positive charge at the anode.

(b) The cathode is the negative electrode. This is because in an electrolytic cell, positive ions (cations) are attracted to the cathode. Therefore, the cations move towards the cathode, resulting in a build-up of negative charge at the cathode.

(c) An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in a solvent (usually water) or in a molten state. An electrolyte is necessary for an electrolytic cell to function because it provides ions (charged particles) that can move and carry the electric current. Without an electrolyte, there would be no charge carriers and the electrolytic process would not occur.