In electrolysis, electrons flow from the battery to which electrode?

• A. Cathode
• B. Anode
• C. Electrolyte
• D. Salt bridge

Answer: (A)

In electrolysis, the external power supply pushes electrons into the electrode that becomes the negative terminal, the electrode where reduction occurs. The battery’s negative terminal drives electrons into that electrode, so it attracts electrons from the circuit and provides them to ions in the electrolyte to be reduced. This electrode is the cathode, where ions gain electrons. The other electrode, the anode, is where electrons are drawn away to the battery, so it does not receive electrons from the battery. The electrolyte simply conducts ions, and a salt bridge helps balance charge but does not carry electrons. So, electrons flow to the electrode connected to the negative terminal—the cathode.