What is the procedure of electrolyte

In the process of electrolysis, there is an interchange of ions and atoms due to the addition or removal of electrons from the external circuit. Basically, on passing current, cations move to the cathode, take electrons from the cathode (given by the supply source-battery), and is discharged into the neutral atom. The neutral atom, if solid, is deposited on the cathode and if gas, move upwards. This is a reduction process and the cation is, reduced at the cathode.

At the same time anions, give up their extra electrons to the anode and is oxidized to neutral atoms at the anode. Electrons released by the anions travel across the electrical circuit and reach the cathode completing the circuit. Electrolysis involves a simultaneous oxidation reaction at anode and a reduction reaction at the cathode.

For example, when electric current, is, passed through molten sodium chloride, the sodium ion is attracted by the cathode, from which, it takes an electrode and becomes a sodium atom.

Chloride ion reaches the anode, gives its electron, and become chlorine atom to form chlorine molecule.

Na⁺(in electrolyte) + e^–(from cathode) → Na …. At Cathode

Cl^–(from electrolyte) → e^– + Cl → Cl₂ …. At Anode

Electrolysis process, while useful to get elemental forms from compounds directly, it can also be used indirectly in the metallurgy of alkali and alkaline earth metals, purification of metals, deposition of metals, preparation of compounds etc.