Why do chloride ions move to the positive electrode?

Because chloride ions have a negative charge, so are attracted to the positive electrode

Answered by kltyuiop | 2024-06-10

Chloride ions move to the positive electrode during electrolysis because of the electrical field created in the solution. When a direct current passes through a solution of NaCl, or sodium chloride, the positively charged sodium ions move toward the negative electrode (cathode), where reduction occurs, while the negatively charged chloride ions (Cl-) migrate toward the positive electrode (anode), where oxidation takes place.
When chloride ions reach the positive electrode, an oxidation reaction occurs, where each chloride ion loses one electron and pairs up with another chloride ion to form chlorine gas (Cl2). The half-equation representing this process at the positive electrode is 2Cl-(aq) —> Cl2(g) + 2e-. This loss of electrons is facilitated because of the attractive force between the negatively charged ions and the positive charge of the electrode.
The chloride ions are more inclined to be oxidized than the water molecules under typical conditions of electrolysis. This means, instead of sodium ions being reduced at the cathode, water molecules undergo reduction to form hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions, leaving the chloride ions to be oxidized at the anode.

Answered by CharlotteRampling | 2024-06-24

Chloride ions move to the positive electrode (anode) in electrolysis because they are negatively charged and attracted to the positive charge of the anode. At the anode, they undergo oxidation, releasing electrons and forming chlorine gas. This process is part of the broader electrolysis reaction of sodium chloride solution.
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Answered by CharlotteRampling | 2024-10-13