
Why is Direct Current Used in Electrolysis?
Answer
164.7k+ views
Hint: An electric current is transmitted through a substance during electrolysis in order to modify its chemical composition. And the substance either loses or gets an electron during the chemical transition. That is the procedure that takes place in an electrolytic cell, a device made up of positively and negatively charged electrodes that are held apart and submerged in a solution with oppositely charged ions.
Complete step by step solution:
In electrolysis, the non-spontaneous chemical reaction is fueled by a direct electric current. The cation and anion are deposited in the cathode and anode, respectively, thanks to the direct current. There are numerous applications for direct current, including battery charging and huge power sources for electronic systems, motors, and other devices. Direct current provides a very big amount of electrical energy that is used in the smelting of aluminium and other electro-chemical processes.
Ions must move through an electrolyte in an electric field for plating to take place. Negative ions move against the electric field while positive ions move in the other direction. The electrodes are coupled to a direct current supply, which generates the electric field. An alternating current would cause the current to keep changing directions and would lead to an uneven distribution of ions in the electrodes.
Therefore, the direct current of constant magnitude is used in the electrolysis process. That is why direct current is used in electrolysis.
Note: A rectifier, which has electrical or electromechanical components that permit electricity to flow exclusively in one direction, can be used to convert alternating current into direct current. An inverter can change direct current into alternating electricity. Because of the battery's polarity in an alternate current, alternating current cannot be used for electroplating. The ions that must be deposited on a surface for electroplating oscillate back and forth within the electrolyte as a result of the constant changes in current direction.
Complete step by step solution:
In electrolysis, the non-spontaneous chemical reaction is fueled by a direct electric current. The cation and anion are deposited in the cathode and anode, respectively, thanks to the direct current. There are numerous applications for direct current, including battery charging and huge power sources for electronic systems, motors, and other devices. Direct current provides a very big amount of electrical energy that is used in the smelting of aluminium and other electro-chemical processes.
Ions must move through an electrolyte in an electric field for plating to take place. Negative ions move against the electric field while positive ions move in the other direction. The electrodes are coupled to a direct current supply, which generates the electric field. An alternating current would cause the current to keep changing directions and would lead to an uneven distribution of ions in the electrodes.
Therefore, the direct current of constant magnitude is used in the electrolysis process. That is why direct current is used in electrolysis.
Note: A rectifier, which has electrical or electromechanical components that permit electricity to flow exclusively in one direction, can be used to convert alternating current into direct current. An inverter can change direct current into alternating electricity. Because of the battery's polarity in an alternate current, alternating current cannot be used for electroplating. The ions that must be deposited on a surface for electroplating oscillate back and forth within the electrolyte as a result of the constant changes in current direction.
Recently Updated Pages
Uniform Acceleration - Definition, Equation, Examples, and FAQs

JEE Main 2021 July 25 Shift 1 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Main 2021 July 22 Shift 2 Question Paper with Answer Key

JEE Atomic Structure and Chemical Bonding important Concepts and Tips

JEE Amino Acids and Peptides Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

JEE Electricity and Magnetism Important Concepts and Tips for Exam Preparation

Trending doubts
JEE Main 2025 Session 2: Application Form (Out), Exam Dates (Released), Eligibility, & More

Atomic Structure - Electrons, Protons, Neutrons and Atomic Models

Displacement-Time Graph and Velocity-Time Graph for JEE

JEE Main 2025: Derivation of Equation of Trajectory in Physics

Electric field due to uniformly charged sphere class 12 physics JEE_Main

Learn About Angle Of Deviation In Prism: JEE Main Physics 2025

Other Pages
JEE Advanced Marks vs Ranks 2025: Understanding Category-wise Qualifying Marks and Previous Year Cut-offs

Electric Field Due to Uniformly Charged Ring for JEE Main 2025 - Formula and Derivation

JEE Advanced Weightage 2025 Chapter-Wise for Physics, Maths and Chemistry

Charging and Discharging of Capacitor

Wheatstone Bridge for JEE Main Physics 2025

Instantaneous Velocity - Formula based Examples for JEE
