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Half equations for electrolysis.

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At this point im still a bit confused, so half equations are basically equations for each electrode. But what i dont seem to get is why are the equations wrote like this 2Cl---> Cl2+2e- instead of Cl2+2e- ---> 2Cl

Reply 21

charco

Study Forum Helper

Original post by Dionlyt

The reactions at the electrodes depend on the species in the electrolyte.

If yo have chloride ions, Cl^- in the electrolyte they will migrate to the anode, attracted there by the electric field of the positive anode.

When they get there they LOSE an electron to become a free chlorine atom. This joins up with another free chlorine atom to become a chlorine molecule.

Hence overall:

2Cl^- - 2e --> Cl₂

Reply 22

Dionlyt

No as in why sometimes in certain equation, the arrows appear first instead of last