How does an electrolytic cell work?

Answer 1

A voltage applied across two electrodes causes electrons to flow

Answer 2

When a potential difference is applied across the electrodes, one becomes positive (the anode) and one negative.(the cathode). Ions in the electrolyte are attracted to the electrodes, and move towards them. Here they are discharged, resulting in chemical changes. At the anode, negative ions give up their electrons, and at the cathode positive ions receive electrons, which maintains a flow of electrons (a current) in the external circuit. The electrolyte may be molten, or a solution. For instance, in molten sodium chloride, positive sodium ions move to the cathode where they accept electrons and become sodium atoms, i.e. sodium metal is formed. At the same time, negative chloride ions move to the anode and lose electrons, forming chlorine atoms, which combine to make chlorine molecules, and chlorine gas is evolved.