Question

During electrolysis, what happens to metallic ions and at which electrode do they get discharged?

P Reduction of metallic ions, cathode

Q Oxidation of metallic ions, anode

R Oxidation of metallic ions, cathode

Options

• Only P

• Only Q

• both P and Q

• Both Q and R

Answer 1

Only P

Explanation:

Metallic ions, which are positively charged cations, migrate to the cathode during electrolysis. At the cathode, they gain electrons and are discharged as neutral metal atoms. Hence, during electrolysis, reduction of metallic ions occurs at cathode.