Chapter 19: Problem 92
What are the half-reactions in the electrolysis of a. \(\operatorname{MgBr}_{2}(l)\) b. \(\mathrm{Ca}(\mathrm{OH})_{2}(l) ?\)
Short Answer
Expert verified
a. Mg: \( ext{Mg}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow ext{Mg} \); Br: \( 2 ext{Br}^- \rightarrow ext{Br}_2 + 2e^- \)
b. Ca: \( ext{Ca}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow ext{Ca} \); OH: \( 4 ext{OH}^- \rightarrow ext{O}_2 + 2 ext{H}_2 ext{O} + 4e^- \)
Step by step solution
01
Identify Components of Electrolysis
In electrolysis, the chemical compound is decomposed into its elements. For the given compounds: - In \( ext{MgBr}_2\), we have magnesium \( ext{Mg}^{2+}\) ions and bromide \( ext{Br}^{-}\) ions.- In \( ext{Ca(OH)}_2\), we have calcium \( ext{Ca}^{2+}\) ions, hydroxide \( ext{OH}^{-}\) ions, and \( ext{H}_2 ext{O}\).
02
Write Reduction Half-Reaction
During electrolysis, one electrode (cathode) will undergo reduction. - For \( ext{MgBr}_2\): \( ext{Mg}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow ext{Mg} \) - For \( ext{Ca(OH)}_2\): \( ext{Ca}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow ext{Ca} \)
03
Write Oxidation Half-Reaction
The other electrode (anode) will undergo oxidation. - For \( ext{MgBr}_2\): \( 2 ext{Br}^- \rightarrow ext{Br}_2 + 2e^- \)- For \( ext{Ca(OH)}_2\): The oxidation of hydroxide ions takes place. \( 4 ext{OH}^- \rightarrow ext{O}_2 + 2 ext{H}_2 ext{O} + 4e^- \)
04
Put it Together
Combine the half-reactions for each compound to represent the full reaction:- For \( ext{MgBr}_2\): - Reduction: \( ext{Mg}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow ext{Mg} \) - Oxidation: \( 2 ext{Br}^- \rightarrow ext{Br}_2 + 2e^- \)- For \( ext{Ca(OH)}_2\): - Reduction: \( ext{Ca}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow ext{Ca} \) - Oxidation: \( 4 ext{OH}^- \rightarrow ext{O}_2 + 2 ext{H}_2 ext{O} + 4e^- \)
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Key Concepts
These are the key concepts you need to understand to accurately answer the question.
Half-reactions
In electrochemistry, a half-reaction is a part of the overall reaction in electrolysis that occurs at either the anode or cathode. It is crucial to understand that electrolysis involves splitting a compound into its constituent elements. Typically, one part of the compound is oxidized while another is reduced.
- Reduction Half-Reaction: Occurs at the cathode. Involves a gain of electrons. For example, in the electrolysis of \(\mathrm{MgBr}_2\), \(\mathrm{Mg}^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow \mathrm{Mg}\).
- Oxidation Half-Reaction: Takes place at the anode. Here, there is a loss of electrons. For instance, in the electrolysis of \(\mathrm{MgBr}_2\), \(2\mathrm{Br}^- \rightarrow \mathrm{Br}_2 + 2e^-\).
Oxidation-reduction
Oxidation-reduction reactions - or redox reactions - are processes where the oxidation state of molecules, atoms, or ions is changed. These reactions are fundamental in electrolysis as they represent the chemical changes needed to separate a compound into its elements.
- Oxidation involves losing electrons and an increase in the oxidation state.
- Reduction, on the other hand, means gaining electrons and a reduction in oxidation state.
Electrochemistry
Electrochemistry is the branch of chemistry that deals with the relationship between electricity and chemical reactions. It plays a pivotal role in processes like electrolysis, where electrical energy is used to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
Electrolysis is a classic example where electrochemistry is applied to break down compounds. It uses an external electric current to prompt the chemical changes needed to decompose a substance. The process involves electrochemical cells, which contain:
Electrolysis is a classic example where electrochemistry is applied to break down compounds. It uses an external electric current to prompt the chemical changes needed to decompose a substance. The process involves electrochemical cells, which contain:
- Anode: The electrode where oxidation occurs.
- Cathode: The electrode where reduction occurs.
- Electrolyte: The substance being decomposed.
Chemical decomposition
Chemical decomposition is the process of breaking down a chemical compound into simpler substances, often its elemental parts. In the context of electrolysis, it refers to the transformation of compounds, such as \(\mathrm{MgBr}_2\) and \(\mathrm{Ca(OH)}_2\), into their elemental forms.
During electrolysis:
During electrolysis:
- Energy from an external electric source causes ions in a compound to move, resulting in decomposition.
- Cations move to the cathode to get reduced, whereas anions move to the anode to get oxidized.