In the electrolysis of aqueous sodium sulfate at electrodes of platinum, predict the products of the cell reaction.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

In the electrolysis of aqueous sodium sulfate, water is also present. At the anode, water is oxidized to form oxygen gas and hydrogen ions. The reaction is:

2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-

At the cathode, hydrogen ions and electrons are reduced to form hydrogen gas. The reaction is:

2H+(aq) + 2e- → H2(g)

Therefore, the products of the cell reaction are hydrogen and oxygen.

In the Electrolysis of Aqueous Sodium Sulfate at Electrodes of Platinum