Test: Electrolysis - UPSC MCQ

The process of breaking down compounds using electricity is known as electrolysis. It involves the passage of an electric current through an electrolyte to induce a chemical reaction.

An electrolyte is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in a solution or when molten. It contains ions that enable the flow of electric charge.

At the cathode during electrolysis, reduction occurs. Reduction involves the gain of electrons, leading to the formation of new substances.

An inert electrode is used in electrolysis to prevent the electrolyte from reacting with the electrode. It allows the desired chemical reaction to occur without interfering with the electrode material.

Vinegar (acetic acid) is an example of an electrolyte as it can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Pure water, cooking oil, and mercury are not electrolytes.

Sodium hydroxide is not a product of the electrolysis of water. The products of electrolyzing water are hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

At the anode during electrolysis, oxidation occurs. Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, leading to the formation of new substances.

The rate of electrolysis can be affected by factors such as temperature, concentration of the electrolyte, and the voltage applied. These factors influence the speed and efficiency of the electrolytic process.

The chemical formula for sodium chloride is NaCl. It is composed of one sodium ion (Na+) and one chloride ion (Cl-).

Aluminum can be extracted from its ore (bauxite) using electrolysis. Copper, silver, and iron are typically extracted using other methods.

Electroplating is the process of coating a metal object with a layer of gold (or other metals) using electrolysis. It is commonly used to enhance the appearance and protect against corrosion.

Carbon dioxide gas is not a product of the electrolysis of molten aluminum oxide. The products are aluminum metal and oxygen gas.

The unit of electric charge used in electrolysis is the coulomb (C). It represents a quantity of charge equal to the flow of one ampere of current for one second.

Electrolysis can be used for both the purification and deposition of metals. It enables the separation of impurities from metals and the electroplating of metals onto surfaces.

Sulphuric acid is commonly used as an electrolyte in lead-acid batteries. It facilitates the chemical reactions necessary for energy storage and release.

Electrorefining is the process of purifying a metal using electrolysis. It allows impurities to be selectively removed from a metal to obtain a higher purity product.

Chlorine gas is produced at the anode during the electrolysis of brine (sodium chloride solution). Oxygen gas is produced at the anode during the electrolysis of water.

The primary purpose of electroplating is to enhance the appearance of an object by coating it with a layer of a different metal. It can also provide protection against corrosion.

The production of plastics is not an application of electrolysis. However, electrolysis is involved in the production of aluminum, electroplating of jewelry, and electrolysis of water for hydrogen fuel production.

Electrolysis requires an external source of energy, typically in the form of an electric current. It is a non-spontaneous process that drives chemical reactions through the application of electrical energy.