Write equations for the reactions taking place at the two electrodes (mentioning clearly the name of the electrode) during the electrolysis of:

ICSE Class 10 Chemistry PYQ · 2016 Paper · Section II

4(c)Written · 2016 · Section II · 2016 Paper

Write equations for the reactions taking place at the two electrodes (mentioning clearly the name of the electrode) during the electrolysis of:

(i) Acidified copper sulphate solution with copper electrodes.

(ii) Molten lead bromide with inert electrodes.

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(i) Electrode — Cathode : Copper, Anode : Copper

Dissociation of aq. CuSO4 :

CuSO4 ⇌ Cu2+ + SO42-

H2O ⇌ H1+ + OH1-

H2SO4 ⇌ 2H1+ + SO42-

Reaction at cathode [pure thin sheet of Cu]:
Cu2+ + 2e- ⟶ Cu [Cu deposited on thin sheet]

Reaction at anode [impure block of active Cu]:
Cu - 2e- ⟶ Cu2+ [product nil - Cu2+ ions]

(ii) Electrode — Cathode : Iron or Graphite, Anode : Graphite

Dissociation of molten PbBr2 : PbBr2 ⇌ Pb2+ (cathode) + 2Br1- (anode)

Reaction at cathode:
Pb2+ + 2e- ⟶ Pb [product lead metal]

Reaction at anode:
Br1- - 1e-⟶ Br
Br + Br ⟶ Br2

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