Video Transcript
In general, what molecule is
produced at the anode during the electrolysis of nitrate and sulfate salts? (A) N2, (B) SO2, (C) O2, (D) NO2,
(E) H2.
In this question, we want to know
which of the molecules listed is a product at the anode in the electrolysis of
nitrate and sulfate salts.
The term electrolysis is a
combination of the words electro-, which refers to electrons or electricity, and
lysis, meaning to set free or break apart. We can break down compounds using
electricity, transforming them into pure elemental substances or other
chemicals. During electrolysis, electric
current is passed through a liquid or a solution containing ions, causing the
compounds inside to decompose. The anion may be oxidized and the
cation may be reduced when a salt solution is electrolyzed.
As the compounds decompose,
different molecules or atoms are produced at the positive anode or negative
cathode. The existence of water in a
solution makes matters a little more complicated, as this can result in the
generation of oxygen gas. In the lesson, we learned and
memorized that in the electrolysis of solutions of halide salts that the relative
halogen gas is produced. In the electrolysis of other salt
solutions, such as sulfates and nitrates, oxygen gas is produced at the anode.
Since we are dealing with the salt
sulfate and nitrate in this question, we know that our answer is O2, since oxygen
gas is produced at the anode. O2 is the correct answer.
