Back
to top
IGCSE electrolysis question
Watch
Announcements
Page 1 of 1
Go to first unread
Skip to page:
One of the well known reactions in GCSE is the electrolysis of molten lead bromide. This results in bromine gas given at the anode and molten lead produced at the cathode.
I'm doing my revision now and working on the prediction of substances before electrolysis. More than one source has told me that if the metal is above hydrogen in the reactivity series then hydrogen gas is produced. In order for the metal itself to be produced it must be below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
BBC Bitesize is one source of this information:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebit...ysisrev4.shtml
You've guessed it... the electrolysis of lead bromide does not follow this information.
Why is this please? What do I need to be looking for? I is confuzzled.
I'm doing my revision now and working on the prediction of substances before electrolysis. More than one source has told me that if the metal is above hydrogen in the reactivity series then hydrogen gas is produced. In order for the metal itself to be produced it must be below hydrogen in the reactivity series.
BBC Bitesize is one source of this information:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/schools/gcsebit...ysisrev4.shtml
You've guessed it... the electrolysis of lead bromide does not follow this information.
Why is this please? What do I need to be looking for? I is confuzzled.
0
reply
Report
#2
It is because molten lead bromide is an ionic compound which contains only two ions Pb2+ and Br-.
The other electrolysis is 'electrolysis of aqueous solutions' which has the two ions from the ionic compound but also has hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). So then it is the least reactive substance at each anode or cathode that is given off
The other electrolysis is 'electrolysis of aqueous solutions' which has the two ions from the ionic compound but also has hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). So then it is the least reactive substance at each anode or cathode that is given off
1
reply
(Original post by Dillan2201)
It is because molten lead bromide is an ionic compound which contains only two ions Pb2+ and Br-.
The other electrolysis is 'electrolysis of aqueous solutions' which has the two ions from the ionic compound but also has hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). So then it is the least reactive substance at each anode or cathode that is given off
It is because molten lead bromide is an ionic compound which contains only two ions Pb2+ and Br-.
The other electrolysis is 'electrolysis of aqueous solutions' which has the two ions from the ionic compound but also has hydrogen ions (H+) and hydroxide ions (OH-). So then it is the least reactive substance at each anode or cathode that is given off
You know... I was just thinking about this and realised the very basic schoolboy error I was making But thank you anyway for your quick response!
I need to look at questions more clearly in exams to stop these silly mistakes.
0
reply
Report
#4
(Original post by Darwinion)
You know... I was just thinking about this and realised the very basic schoolboy error I was making But thank you anyway for your quick response!
I need to look at questions more clearly in exams to stop these silly mistakes.
You know... I was just thinking about this and realised the very basic schoolboy error I was making But thank you anyway for your quick response!
I need to look at questions more clearly in exams to stop these silly mistakes.
0
reply
X
Page 1 of 1
Go to first unread
Skip to page:
Quick Reply
