This reaction as written has a negative
potential. It will not
occur spontaneously. Instead, it is the
reverse process that will readily occur. To drive a
nonspontaneous redox reaction, a potential greater than
the cell potential is applied from an external source. This
process is called electrolysis.Note- Law
of attraction.
The positive ions head towards the negative
electrode. Their charge reduces to zero. So the negative
electrode is the called the cathode.
The negative ions head towards the positive electrode.
Their charge increases to zero (oxidation). So the
positive electrode is the called the anode.
 |
 |
|
2 H2O(l)
--> O2(g) + 2H2(g)
Electrolysis of
water |
2 NaCl(l) --> 2 Na(l)
+ Cl2(g)
Electrolysis of
salt |
