Electrolysis e- flow

[Azlyn Hernandez 2E]

How do electrons flow through an electrolytic cell during electrolysis?

[106052916]

In an electrolytic cell during electrolysis, typically a battery drives the flow of electrons. They move from the anode to the cathode through a series of respective oxidation and reduction reactions at the anode and cathode.

[Valeria Perez 3J]

To expand a bit on what the other commenter mentioned, an electrolytic cell, unlike a galvanic cell, is unable to drive the redox reactions to create a natural flow of e- and therefore requires the aid of an outside power source, like a battery, to drive the redox reactions and force the flow of e- through an electrical circuit. Since the positive terminal of the battery is connected to the anode, and the negative terminal is connected to the cathode, the e- move from the anode to the cathode, and the electrical energy of the battery drives the redox reactions to continue the e- flow. Hope that makes sense!

[Lexi Brownsberger 2E]

To simplify this system, I like to think of it like this: The electrons are supplied by whatever species is getting oxidized. They then move through an electric curcuit from the anode (the supplier) to the cathode (the receiver). This process all occurs in the electrolytic cell.