Why is Graphite used in electrolytic cells ? A) Graphite is soft and c

Why is Graphite used in electrolytic cells ?
A) Graphite is soft and can be easily moulded into electrodes
B) Graphite is made of layers of carbon atoms which can slide
C) Graphite is inert to most of the chemicals and remains intact in electrolytic cells
D) Graphite is a good conductor of electricity

Graphite is soft and can be easily moulded into electrodes
Graphite is made of layers of carbon atoms which can slide
Graphite is inert to most of the chemicals and remains intact in electrolytic cells
Graphite is a good conductor of electricity
This question was previously asked in
UPSC NDA-1 – 2015
Graphite is used in electrolytic cells primarily because it is a good conductor of electricity. Electrodes serve as points of contact between the external electrical circuit and the electrolyte, facilitating the flow of current needed for electrolysis. Being a good conductor is a fundamental requirement for this function. While its relative inertness to many chemicals (option C) and ability to withstand high temperatures are also beneficial properties that make it a suitable material for electrodes in specific processes, the primary reason for its *use as an electrode* is its ability to conduct electricity. Options A and B describe physical properties that are not the main reasons for its use in this context.
Identifying the essential property of a material required for it to function as an electrode in an electrolytic cell.
Electrodes in electrolytic cells are either anodes or cathodes, where oxidation and reduction reactions occur, respectively. These reactions require the transfer of electrons between the external circuit and the ions in the electrolyte, which is facilitated by the electrical conductivity of the electrode material. Graphite’s conductivity stems from the delocalized electrons within its layered structure.
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