In the electrolysis of aqueous potassium nitrate using inert electrodes, which one of the following species is oxidized?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the electrolysis of aqueous potassium nitrate, water molecules will be present in the solution. The inert electrodes will not participate in the reaction. The oxidation occurs at the anode, and the species that gets oxidized loses electrons. In this case, the species that loses electrons will have a higher tendency to release electrons. Since water has a higher tendency to release electrons than the nitrate and potassium ions, it will be oxidized at the anode. Therefore, the correct answer is C, water.

In the Electrolysis of Aqueous Potassium Nitrate Using Inert Electrodes