Question

When electric current is passed through a cell having an electrolyte, the positive ions move towards the cathode and the negative ions towards the anode. If the cathode is pulled out of the solution ______.

Options

• the positive and the negative ions will move towards the anode

• the positive ions will start moving towards the anode

• the negative ions will continue to move towards the anode; the positive ions will stop moving

• the positive ions and the negative ions will start moving randomly

Answer 1

When electric current is passed through a cell having an electrolyte, the positive ions move towards the cathode and the negative ions towards the anode. If the cathode is pulled out of the solution the negative ions will continue to move towards the anode; the positive ions will stop moving.

Explanation:

Positive ions (cations) flow towards the cathode and negative ions (anions) towards the anode when an electric current flows through an electrolytic solution. Positive ions stop moving if the cathode is removed since there is no electrode for reduction. Negative ions still go towards the anode for oxidation, though, because it is still there.