Question

Explain how electrolysis is an example of redox reaction. 

Answer 1

Redox Reaction : “A chemical reaction in which loss of electrons and the gain of electrons takes place simultaneously is called REDOX reaction.”

Example: Electrolysis of Potassium chloride 

2K – 2e^1- → 2K⁺

Cl₂ + 2e^1- → 2Cl^-

2K + Cl₂  →  2K⁺Cl^– or 2KCl

The potassium atoms lose one electron each from their valence shells to form potassium ions. As loss of electrons takes place therefore, potassium metal is oxidised to Potassium ions [K⁺]. Chlorine atoms gain one electron each in their valence shells to form chloride ions. As gain of electrons take place, therefore, chlorine atoms are reduced to chloride ions (Cl^– ). Since reduction and oxidation takes place simultaneously, therefore, electrolysis is a Redox reaction.

KCl ⇋  K⁺  +  Cl^-