electrolysis cathode/anode and AAMC

[aviary17]

Hey. AAMC 6 says that in electrolysis, electrons are driven in the cell through the cathode and drawn out through the anode. Could you plesae explain this, because I would have assumed that since reduction occurs at the cathode, that is where electrons are drawn out, and vice vera for the anode. Thanks for the help.

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[spyderracing32]

Electrons are drawn out at the cathode because that is what it means to oxidize. The species present at the anode are drawn to the anode by the potential difference (in this case created by a battery) where they give up their electrons (electrons are drawn out). The electrons travel from the anode to the cathode where they are present to take place in the reduction reaction occurring at the cathode (driven into the cell).

 

[amar21]

I just remember that for electrolysis cations will migrate towards the cathode. Thus, for a cation to migrate towards a cathode, it must be coming out of an anode.