(a) Explain cations (b) Draw and label an electrolytic cell.
(a) Cations are positively charged ions formed when an atom or group of atoms loses one or more electrons. During electrolysis, they move towards the cathode, which is the negative electrode. Examples are \(\mathrm{H^+}\), \(\mathrm{Na^+}\), \(\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}\) and \(\mathrm{Ag^+}\).
(b) A labelled electrolytic cell is shown below.
A labelled electrolytic cell showing the positive anode, negative cathode, electrolyte and movement of ions.
(a) Cations are positively charged ions formed when an atom or group of atoms loses one or more electrons. During electrolysis, they move towards the cathode, which is the negative electrode. Examples are \(\mathrm{H^+}\), \(\mathrm{Na^+}\), \(\mathrm{Cu^{2+}}\) and \(\mathrm{Ag^+}\).
(b) A labelled electrolytic cell is shown below.
A labelled electrolytic cell showing the positive anode, negative cathode, electrolyte and movement of ions.