Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions is a Bit More Complicated

Question 1

In aqueous solutions, as well as the ions from the ionic compound, what will there be?

Answer 1

Hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-) from the water

Question 2

What happens at the cathode if H+ ions and metal ions are present?

Answer 2

Hydrogen gas will be produced if the metal ions are more reactive than the H+ ions

Question 3

What happens at the cathode if the metal ions are less reactive that H+ ions?

Answer 3

A solid layer of the pure metal will be produced instead

Question 4

What happens at the anode if OH- and halide ions are present?

Answer 4

Molecules of chlorine, bromine or iodine will be formed

Question 5

What happens if no halide ions are present?

Answer 5

Then oxygen will be formed