Discuss what happens when an electrolyte is dissolved in water and then an electric current is passed through it.
Answers
HELLO THERE!
An electrolyte is a solution which contains free mobile ions, that conduct electricity.
When an electrolyte is dissolved in water, it is called an aqueous solution, and the molecules dissociate into ions. Then, if current is passed through it, the free mobile ions migrate towards the electrodes (cations to cathode and anions to anode) for discharging.
To prove that current is flowing in the circuit, you can do two small things:
=> Place a galvanometer next to the cell, it deflects to show that current is flowing.
=> Connect a bulb to the circuit, it will glow brightly (if the electrolyte taken is a strong electrolyte).
At cathode: At cathode (negatively charged electrode), cations (positively charged ions) travel to get discharged. Reduction takes place over here. The cathode provides electrons(s) to the cations, and the cations, accepting them, gets discharged (charge-less).
At anode: At anode (positively charged electrode), anions (negatively charged ions) travel to get discharged. Oxidation takes place over here. The anode accepts electrons(s) from the anions, and the anions, losing them, gets discharged (charge-less).
Now, if there are more than one cations or anions present, the discharge is based on the Electropositive and electronegative series of Cations and Anions. The metal placed below will have a tendency to discharge first.
In the metallic series, Platinum is placed below (as it is the least reactive metal). So, Platinum will discharge first, if its ions are present in the solution.
In the non metallic series, Acetate is placed below. So, it has a tendency to discharge first.
HOPE MY ANSWER IS SATISFACTORY..
Thanks!