Question

When an 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
A. The positive and negative ions will move towards the anode.
B. The positive ions will start moving toward the anode, and the negative ions will stop moving.
C. The negative ions will continue to move towards the anode; the positive ions will stop moving.
D. The positive and negative ions will start moving randomly.

Answer 1

Hint: Electrolysis is a process of the use of electrical energy to bring about chemical changes. An electrolytic cell is used in this process.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
In the process of electrolysis, an electrolyte in its aqueous solution or the molten or fused state gets decomposed. In this process, an electrolytic cell is used. This cell consists of a glass vessel in which the electrolyte is taken.

The electrolyte is a substance that gets dissociated into its constituent ions in its aqueous solution or molten state. Due to the movement of these ions, the conduction of electricity happens.

Two metal rods are immersed in it and are connected to a source of electricity which is the battery. These are called electrodes. The electrodes connected to the positive and negative poles of the battery are called anode and cathode respectively.

On the passage of electricity, the positive ions or cations shift towards the cathode while the negative ions or anions shift towards the anode. The cations accept electrons from the cathode to become neutral by the process of reduction.

Anions give electrons to become neutral by the process of oxidation.
If the cathode is pulled out of the solution, then the previously constructed closed circuit will become an open circuit. The circuit will become incomplete which will cease the supply of electricity. Due to this, the positive and negative ions will move in random directions.
So, option D is correct.

Note: Electrolytic cells are used to transform electrical energy into chemical energy. It means electrical energy is supplied for the redox reaction to happen. Galvanic cells are used to transform chemical energy into electrical energy.