gcse chemistry aqueous electrolysis

hi

im revising electrolysis of aqueous solutions, and i know that of the two sets of ions (the H+ and OH- from water, and whatever ions from the other compound), the more reactive of the two ions remains in solution. so one product is formed at each electrode.

i know how to tell if hydrogen is more reactive than teh other positive ion, but how about OH-? how do i know if oxygen is formed at the other electrode?

sorry, this is probably a really stupid question, but im confused lol. thank you in advance! :smile:

Reply 1

jthestudent_

Original post by asbestos99

hi
im revising electrolysis of aqueous solutions, and i know that of the two sets of ions (the H+ and OH- from water, and whatever ions from the other compound), the more reactive of the two ions remains in solution. so one product is formed at each electrode.
i know how to tell if hydrogen is more reactive than teh other positive ion, but how about OH-? how do i know if oxygen is formed at the other electrode?
sorry, this is probably a really stupid question, but im confused lol. thank you in advance! :smile:

basically. to know if oxygen is formed yk that Oxygen is negative ion O2- so that will form at the positive anode. now if the negative part of the electrolyte is a Halogen (Br2, Cl2 ect...) then it will form at the anode or else it is JUST OXYGEN!!!

hope this helps?