Electrolytic cells - DC not AC?

[roly182]

Hey guys, just wondering why DC electricity is used in electrolytic cells not AC. Thanks!

[cara.mel]

DC current only goes in one direction. AC goes both ways

(so with AC, you can imagine the electrons changing directions all the time, effectively changing the polarity of the electrodes all the time, hence you won't really get anywhere)

[Collin Li]

DC forces the electrons in one direction, hence allowing you to "choose" your cathode (and hence anode), because you are forcing electrons down the throat of whereever you connect your negative terminal.

[roly182]

thanks coblin! crystal clear now...

[Pandemonium]

DC forces the electrons in one direction, hence allowing you to "choose" your cathode (and hence anode), because you are forcing electrons down the throat of whereever you connect your negative terminal.

oh dear, i hope no chem examiners get tingling spine feeling after reading this.
(i am going to use it if any question like this pops up)

[Collin Li]

It gets the point across better, since you're forcing an enthalpically undesirable (endothermic) reaction