Predict the products of electrolysis in an aqueous solution of FeCl2.
Please help. I don't understand how the answer is OH-, O2, H+, H2.
To predict the products of electrolysis in an aqueous solution of FeCl2, we need to consider the redox reactions that occur at the anode (positive electrode) and the cathode (negative electrode).
First, let's consider the anode. At the anode, oxidation occurs, which means the anode loses electrons. In this case, chloride ions (Cl-) are present in the solution. Chloride ions can undergo oxidation at the anode according to the following reaction:
2Cl- ⟶ Cl2 + 2e-
So, at the anode, chlorine gas (Cl2) is produced.
Next, let's consider the cathode. At the cathode, reduction occurs, which means the cathode gains electrons. In this case, water molecules (H2O) are present in the solution. Water can undergo reduction at the cathode according to the following reaction:
2H2O + 2e- ⟶ H2 + 2OH-
So, at the cathode, hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-) are produced.
To summarize, the products of electrolysis in an aqueous solution of FeCl2 are chlorine gas (Cl2) at the anode and hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-) at the cathode.