Explain why hydrogen ions are produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of an aqueous solution if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen.

If the metal is more reactive than hydrogen, the hydrogen ions (H⁺) in the solution will gain electrons at the cathode to form hydrogen gas (H₂). This occurs because the more reactive metal cannot displace hydrogen from the solution, leading to the production of hydrogen instead.

This answer shows the student's ability to apply knowledge of reactivity series to predict the products of electrolysis. The question assesses understanding of the relationship between ion reactivity and the electrolysis process.