Why do ions move towards opposite electrodes in electrolysis?

Ions move towards opposite electrodes in electrolysis due to the attraction of opposite charges.

In electrolysis, an electric current is passed through an electrolyte (a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted), causing it to decompose into its constituent elements. This process involves the movement of ions, which are atoms or groups of atoms that have lost or gained electrons and thus carry a charge.

The electrolyte is composed of positive ions (cations) and negative ions (anions). When the electric current is applied, the cations are attracted to the cathode (the negative electrode) and the anions are attracted to the anode (the positive electrode). This is because opposite charges attract each other, a fundamental principle of electromagnetism.

The cations, having lost electrons, are positively charged and are therefore attracted to the cathode, where they gain electrons to become neutral atoms again. On the other hand, the anions, having gained electrons, are negatively charged and are attracted to the anode, where they lose electrons to become neutral atoms again. This movement of ions towards the electrodes is what drives the process of electrolysis.

The concept of ions moving towards opposite electrodes in electrolysis is a key aspect of understanding how electrolysis works. It's the basis for many industrial processes, such as the extraction of aluminium from its ore, the purification of copper, and the production of chlorine and sodium hydroxide. It's also used in electroplating, where a layer of metal is deposited onto a surface to provide a protective or decorative coating.