write the electrolysis of molten compound equation
Answers
Answer:
Explanation:
Aluminum is the most abundant metal on earth. But did you ever wonder how we obtain this versatile metal? Aluminum actually doesn't occur in the natural state, and we have to resort to the process of electrolysis, or, more precisely, electrolysis of a molten ionic compound.
Usually an ionic compound, with general formula MN, is formed by strong electrostatic bonds that exist between positive and negative ions. These oppositely charged ions are locked into a rigid structure where they are not free to move. This structure does not allow the ionic solid to conduct electricity, and hence, electrolysis cannot take place.
One way in which this rigid structure can be made to conduct electricity is to heat it up to its melting point. At the melting temperature both the cations (Mx+) and anions (Ny-) acquire enough energies that allow them to move freely. This resulting liquid is now known as an electrolyte. If the electrolyte is connected to a power supply through inert electrodes, electrolysis occurs.
Electrolytic arrangement for ionic compounds
Electrolytic arrangement for ionic compounds.
The cations (Mx+) will be attracted to the negative electrode or the cathode where they will gain electron(s) to become atoms. Reduction takes place at the cathode according to the following equation:
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The anions (Ny-) will be attracted to the positive electrode or the anode where they will lose electron(s) to become atoms. Oxidation takes place at the anode according to this equation: