what are the products of a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride if the electrodes used are inert
To determine the products of a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride (MgCl2) when inert electrodes are used, we need to understand the process of electrolysis.
Electrolysis is the process of using an electric current to drive a chemical reaction. It typically involves the decomposition of a compound into its constituent elements or ions. The key factors that determine the products of electrolysis are the ions present in the solution and the type of electrodes used.
In the case of magnesium chloride (MgCl2), it dissociates into magnesium ions (Mg2+) and chloride ions (Cl-) when dissolved in water. During electrolysis, the positive electrode is called the anode, and the negative electrode is called the cathode.
Since the question mentions using inert electrodes, we can assume that the electrodes do not participate in the chemical reaction themselves and do not introduce any additional ions or elements.
At the anode (positive electrode), chloride ions (Cl-) will be attracted due to their negative charge. Chloride ions lose electrons and form chlorine gas (Cl2). The half-reaction at the anode is:
2Cl- -> Cl2 + 2e-
At the cathode (negative electrode), magnesium ions (Mg2+) will be attracted due to their positive charge. Magnesium ions gain electrons and form metallic magnesium (Mg). The half-reaction at the cathode is:
Mg2+ + 2e- -> Mg
Therefore, the products of electrolysis of a concentrated solution of magnesium chloride using inert electrodes are chlorine gas (Cl2) formed at the anode and metallic magnesium (Mg) formed at the cathode.