Electrolysis
in solutions exercises

1) An aqueous solution of copper sulfate is electrolysed.
Cu2+(aq) + 2e => Cu(s))
appears on the table between Ag+ and Pb2+. While SO-24 does not take part in the reaction.

a)What are the products formed at the anode and at the cathode?
b) What happens to the pH of the solution?

Solution

Try four more similar exercises

2) A solution of lead(II)iodide is electrolysed.
a) What are the products formed at the cathode and at the anode?
b) Give the reactions that occur at the anode and at the cathode.
Use the reactivity series on the right.

Solution

3) An aqueous solution of lead nitrate is electrolysed.
a) Using the table on the right, write the half equations that occur at the anode and the cathode.
b) If the current through the electrodes is maintained for a long time predict any changes in product formation.

Solution

4) A solution containing a mixture of lead nitrate, magnesium nitrate and silver nitrate was electrolysed. The potential difference across the electrodes was maintained for a long time until bubbles appeared at both electrodes.
a) Predict the products and the order in which they are formed at the anode and the cathode.
b) Give equations for each reaction that takes place.

Solution
Balance for charge by adding electrons tot he most positive side. Balance for hydrogen by adding Hydrogen ions to the hydrogen deficient side. Balance for oxygen by adding water to the oxygen deficient side. Balance for Ag atoms Balance for oxygen by adding water to the oxygen deficient side. Balance for hydrogen by adding Hydrogen ions to the hydrogen deficient side. Balance for charge by adding electrons tot he most positive side. Home
Each oxygen atom has an oxidation number of -2 Reductants in order of increasing strength as we go down the column Oxidants in order of increasing strength as we go up the column.