Q21.82P - Chemistry: Molecular Nature Of Matter And Change

Question

Consider the following general electrolytic cell:

 

(a) At which electrode does oxidation occur? 

(b) At which electrode does elemental M form? 

(c) At which electrode are electrons being released by ions?

 (d) At which electrode are electrons entering the cell?

Step-by-Step Solution

Answer

(a) left electrode

(b) right electrode

(c) left electrode

(d) right electrode

Step 1: To Consider the following general electrolytic cell

(a) Oxidation occurs at the anode. It occurs in the positive electrode as the electrons move to the cathode. The anode is the left electrode.

(b) Elemental M forms at the cathode. The electrons enter the cathode and react with the electrolytes in the solution to reduce them and form elemental M. The cathode is the negative electrode because electrons move toward it. The right electrode is the cathode.

(c) Electrons are released by ions in the anode. The anode is oxidized and loses electrons. The left electrode is where electrons are released from.

(d) Electrons enter the cell by reacting with electrolytes to reduce them. Electrons enter the cell through the cathode, the right electrode.