In electrolytic cell, cathode acts as an/a

Options

A. Oxidising agent
B. Reducing agent
C. Either of the two
D. Neither (a) nor (b)

Explanation

To answer the question "In an electrolytic cell, the cathode acts as an/a...", we need to analyze the roles of the cathode and anode in the context of electrolysis.

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electrolytic Cells**:
- An electrolytic cell is a device that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction. It consists of two electrodes: the anode and the cathode.

2. **Identifying the Cathode**:
- In an electrolytic cell, the cathode is defined as the electrode where reduction occurs. This is the site where positive ions gain electrons.

3. **Reduction Process**:
- Reduction is the process of gaining electrons. For example, in the electrolysis of sodium chloride (NaCl), sodium ions (Na⁺) are reduced at the cathode by gaining electrons to form sodium metal (Na).

4. **Oxidation at the Anode**:
- In contrast, at the anode, oxidation occurs. This is where negative ions (like chloride ions, Cl⁻) lose electrons. In the case of NaCl, Cl⁻ ions are oxidized to form chlorine gas (Cl₂).

5. **Role of the Cathode**:
- Since the cathode is where reduction takes place, it effectively donates electrons to the species being reduced. Therefore, it acts as a reducing agent because it facilitates the reduction of other species.

6. **Conclusion**:
- In summary, in an electrolytic cell, the cathode acts as a reducing agent.

### Final Answer:
In an electrolytic cell, the cathode acts as a reducing agent.