Electrolytic cells use electricity to cause a nonspontaneous redox reaction to o

Question

Electrolytic cells use electricity to cause a nonspontaneous redox reaction to occur. An electrolytic cell is constructed using the following components:

a power source, such as a battery,

the substance that will undergo electrolysis, and

two inert electrodes (usually platinum), which serve as the electrical connection between the power source and the substance undergoing electrolysis.

When electricity is applied to a molten binary salt during electrolysis, the cation will be reduced and the anion will be oxidized. If more than one cation is present, only the one with highest reduction potential will be reduced. Similarly, if more than one anion is present, only the one with the highest oxidation potential will be oxidized.

What substance is produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of molten calcium bromide, CaBr2? Assume standard conditions.

Express your answer as a chemical formula.

Explanation / Answer

Electrolysis of molten calcium bromide CaBr2   :

During electrolysis, anode is positive electrode and cathode is negative electrode. The positive metal ion (cation) gains electron(s) at the cathode and gets deposited on the electrode as metal. The negative metal ion (anion) gives up electron(s) at the anode.

Reaction occurring during electrolysis->

At cathode:   Ca2+ + 2e Ca

At anode :    2Br- Br2 + 2e-

The substance produced at cathode during electrolysis of molten CaBr2 is Ca(calcium).

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