Question

Give the products available on the cathode and the anode respectively during the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of mgso4 between inert electrodes.

Answer 1

Answer:

H2 on cathode and O2 in anode

Explanation:

The given values for reduction of possible product at cathode are Mg2+ and H20

the values for the reduction of respective species are

$Mg^{2+} + 2e^- ---> Mg  E_0= -2.37\\H_2O+e^-----> H_2  +2OH^-  E_0=-0.42V$

from the data it's clear that the H2O reduction will be easy

So H2 will be released on cathode

For oxidation, SO4- can't be oxidised, it is already in it's highest state. So H2O will get oxidised and produce O2 in anode

Hence O2 is released in anode

Answer 2

Answer:

H2 at cathode and O2 at anode

Explanation: