In an aqueous solution during electrolysis, cations are attracted toward which electrode?

• A. Either electrode equally because they are neutralized by water
• B. The cathode (negative electrode)
• C. The anode (positive electrode)
• D. The salt bridge because it contains counterions

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Recall that during electrolysis, electrodes are charged: the cathode is negatively charged, and the anode is positively charged.
2. Understand that cations are positively charged ions, so they are attracted to the electrode with the opposite charge.
3. Since opposite charges attract, cations will move toward the cathode, which is negatively charged.
4. Anions, which are negatively charged ions, move toward the anode, the positively charged electrode.
5. Therefore, in an aqueous solution during electrolysis, cations are attracted toward the cathode (negative electrode).