Question

During electrolysis of certain solutions , hydrogen is liberated at the cathode instead of the metal being deposited. why?

Answer 1

answer:

The answer key says that zinc would be formed at the cathode. However, zinc is more reactive than hydrogen, so logically hydrogen should be given off at the cathode, not zinc.

As I understand it, the ions involved in this electrolysis are Zn2+, H+, OH− and SO42−.

Also, why can possible cathodes in this reaction be carbon, platinum OR zinc while the anode can only be carbon or platinum? What allows the cathode to be zinc?

Explanation:

hope it helps

Answer 2

Answer:

The answer key says that zinc would be formed at the cathode. However, zinc is more reactive than hydrogen, so logically hydrogen should be given off at the cathode, not zinc.

Explanation:

Hope it will help you.