Electrolyte Depletion in Electrolysis with Inert Electrodes

Steps:

• Inert electrodes facilitate discharge of electrolyte ions without reacting themselves.
• Cations from the electrolyte migrate to and are reduced at the cathode, removing them from solution.
• Anions migrate to and are oxidized at the anode, removing them from solution.
• As electrolysis proceeds, ion removal in both L and M reduces electrolyte concentration.

Why D is correct:

• Faraday's first law states mass of ions discharged is proportional to electricity passed, directly causing electrolyte concentration to decrease in both L and M.

Why the others are wrong:

• A: Both ✓ symbols claim constant concentration, but ion discharge depletes it.
• B: × × symbols with "stays constant" label contradict actual depletion in both.
• C: × for L and ✓ for M imply only one changes, but both decrease.

Final answer: D