Mindanao State University- Iligan Institute of Technology

College of Engineering
Department of Metallurgical, Mining, and Ceramics Engineering

ELECTROLYTIC CELL

Lacaba, Angel Leah O.

Engr. Al Mon Dahan

Instructor

October 3, 2015

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Electrochemical cells use chemical reactions to generate electrical energy --- or,
alternatively, use electrical energy to drive chemical reactions. Electrolytic cell is an
electrochemical cell that undergoes a redox reaction when electrical energy is applied. It is most
often used to decompose chemical compounds, in a process called electrolysis. Important
examples of electrolysis are the decomposition of water into hydrogen and oxygen, and bauxite
into aluminium and other chemicals. Electroplating (e.g. of copper, silver, nickel or chromium) is
performed using an electrolytic cell. In an electrolytic cell, electrical energy from a direct current
external source drives a non-spontaneous reaction. Common external sources include batteries,
fixed output AC Power Adapters, car engine alternators, and variable power sources.
An electrolytic cell has three component parts: an electrolyte and two electrodes (a
cathode and an anode). It is composed of two half-cells--one is a reduction half-cell, the other is
an oxidation half-cell. When driven by an external voltage applied to the electrodes, the ions in
the electrolyte are attracted to an electrode with the opposite charge, charge-transferring (also
called redox) reactions can take place.
Objectives of the Study
At the end of this study, the student is expected to have knowledge on how to set up an
electrolytic cell and to know the process governing under this cell.

Significance of the Study

The significance of this study is for the students to have the knowledge and skill on
setting up an electrolytic cell for future applications.

Limitations of the study

This study is limited on researching how to set up an electrolytic cell rather than
conducting the set up. The students have to gain knowledge about setting up the electrolytic cell
for future applications. The involvement of solution used for the electrolysis process will not be
discussed since this study only aims to set up an electrolytic cell.

METHODOLOGY
Materials
The materials needed to set up an electrolytic cell are:
Power Source supplied the free energy required to drive the cell reaction in its nonspontaneous direction.
Alligator Clips used to connect the power source to the cathode and anode.
Multitester used to measure the amount of electric charge passes through the electrodes.
Anode defined as the electrode to which the anions flow within the cell, to be oxidized by
depositing electrons on the electrode. Example: Aluminum film
Cathode defined as the electrode to which cations flow within the cell, to be reduced by
reacting with electrons (negatively charged) from that electrode. Example: Lead strip
Electrolyte the solution prepared where the cathode and anode will be submerged during the
electrolysis.

Procedure
The power supply is cross-connected to the cell by alligator clips. The ve of the power
supply is connected to the cathode of the cell, and the +ve of the power supply is connected to
the anode of the cell. The cathode and anode is then submerged to the electrolyte. The negative
terminal of the multi-tester is connected to ve of the power supply and the positive terminal is
connected to the cathode of the cell. This multi-tester is used to set and monitor the current that

has passed through out the cell. Then, the power source is switched on and the current is adjusted
and set through setting the voltage equivalent to the desired measurement of current for the
activity by the multi-tester (See Figure 1).

Figure 1. Electrolytic Cell Set Up

CONCLUSION

Electrolytic cell is the apparatus used to pass electricity through an electrolyte. It has two
electrodes to pass the electric current into the electrolyte. Current passes around the external
power supply. Positive ions from the electrolyte pick up electrons at the cathode and reduction
occurs. At the same time negative ions migrate to the positive electrode (anode) to drop off
electron and oxidized.
This study concludes the students have learned the procedure on how to set up an
electrolytic cell and have understand the processes involved when conducting electrolysis by
electrolytic cell.

REFERENCE

Wikipedia,.

(2015).

Electrolytic

cell.

Retrieved

30

September

2015,

from

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolytic_cell
Ibchem.com,. (2015). Oxidation and reduction Electrolytic cells. Retrieved 30 September
2015, from http://www.ibchem.com/IB/ibnotes/full/red_ht