What happens at the cathodes and anodes in a magnesium electrolytic cell?

In a magnesium electrolytic cell, the process involves the dissociation of molten magnesium chloride into magnesium metal and chlorine gas. The cell contains steel cathodes and graphite anodes, where the following reactions occur:

• Cathodes: Magnesium metal is deposited at the negative electrodes (cathodes). Because magnesium has a valence of two, it gains electrons at these sites to form the metal, which then floats to the top of the salt bath to be collected.12
• Anodes: Chlorine gas, along with other gases, is generated at the graphite anodes (positive electrodes). This chlorine can be captured and reused in the dehydration process.12

These reactions are governed by the principles of electrolysis, where the amount of chemical change is proportional to the quantity of electricity applied.2