Answer:

During electrolysis, the reaction that takes place at the cathode is reduction. Reduction is a chemical process in which electrons are gained or hydrogen is added to a substance. In the context of electrolysis, reduction occurs at the cathode, which is the negatively charged electrode.

Explanation:

Electrolysis is a process that uses an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It involves the decomposition of a compound into its constituent elements or ions using an electric current.

During electrolysis, a direct current is passed through an electrolyte, which is a substance that conducts electricity when dissolved in water or melted. The electrolyte is typically an ionic compound, such as a salt or an acid.

Key Points:
- Electrolysis involves the use of an electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
- Reduction is a chemical process in which electrons are gained or hydrogen is added to a substance.
- The cathode is the negatively charged electrode where reduction occurs during electrolysis.

Process at the Cathode:

At the cathode, reduction takes place. Reduction involves the gain of electrons or the addition of hydrogen to a substance. During electrolysis, positively charged ions in the electrolyte migrate towards the cathode.

Key Points:
- Reduction involves the gain of electrons or the addition of hydrogen.
- Positively charged ions migrate towards the cathode during electrolysis.

At the cathode, the positively charged ions gain electrons and are reduced. The reduction process depends on the specific compound being electrolyzed.

Key Points:
- Positively charged ions at the cathode gain electrons and are reduced.

For example, during the electrolysis of water (H2O), the reduction reaction at the cathode is:

2H+(aq) + 2e- -> H2(g)

In this reaction, hydrogen ions (H+) gain two electrons and are reduced to form hydrogen gas (H2).

Conclusion:

In summary, during electrolysis, the reaction that takes place at the cathode is reduction. Reduction involves the gain of electrons or the addition of hydrogen. At the cathode, positively charged ions gain electrons and are reduced. The specific reduction reaction depends on the compound being electrolyzed.