Electrolytic Cells

Question 1

Electrolysis

Answer 1

-process where electrical current drives and process where electrical current drives a non-spontaneous redox reaction

-electrolysis is done in an electrolytic cell

-cathode becomes negative and anode becomes positive

-Non-spontaneous: if less than 0

-electrons flow anode to cathode

Question 2

Electrolysis of molten salt mixture

Answer 2

-the more positive or less negative the reduction potential is the stronger tendency the reactant is reduced

-the cation that is most easily reduced (the one with more positive Ered) will be reduced first at the cathode

Question 3

Electrolysis of molten mixture

Answer 3

-the less positive or more negative reduction potential is, the stronger tendency the reagent is oxidized

-The anion that is the most easily oxidized (the one with more negative Ered) will be oxidized first at the anode

Question 4

Stoichiometry of electrolysis

Answer 4

-in an electrolytic cell, the amount of product made is related to the number of electrons transferred

-essentially the electrons are a reactant

-the number of moles of electrons can be determined by measuring the total charge that flows through the electrolytic cell (Q= IxT)
(Q=Fxne)

Question 5

In an aqueous solution

Answer 5

-the cation with more positive Ered will be reduced first at the cathode

-the anion more negative Ered than water will be oxidized