Chapter 7: Problem 18

The metal deposited first at the cathode when a solution containing \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+2}, \mathrm{Cu}^{+2}\) is electrolyzed is (a) \(\mathrm{Fe}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Cu}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+3}\) (d) both 1 and 2

Short Answer

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Answer: (b) \(\mathrm{Cu}\)

Step by step solution

List the reduction reactions and their respective reduction potentials.

The reduction potentials of the \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+2}\) and \(\mathrm{Cu}^{+2}\) ions are as follows: \(\mathrm{Fe}^{2+} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{Fe}\), Reduction potential = -0.44 V \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+} + 2e^{-} \rightarrow \mathrm{Cu}\), Reduction potential = +0.34 V

Compare the reduction potentials.

Now that we have the reduction potentials, we can compare them. A higher reduction potential indicates a greater tendency for reduction to occur. In our case, the reduction potential of the \(\mathrm{Cu}^{+2}\) ion (+0.34 V) is higher than that of the \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+2}\) ion (-0.44 V).

Identify which metal will be deposited first.

Since \(\mathrm{Cu}^{+2}\) has a higher reduction potential, this means that it has a greater tendency to be reduced, or more likely to gain electrons and turn into a metal. Therefore, \(\mathrm{Cu}\) will be deposited first at the cathode when the solution containing \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+2}\) and \(\mathrm{Cu}^{+2}\) ions is electrolyzed.

Choose the correct answer among the options.

The correct answer is: (b) \(\mathrm{Cu}\)

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The metal deposited first at the cathode when a solution containing \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+2}, \mathrm{Cu}^{+2}\) is electrolyzed is (a) \(\mathrm{Fe}\) (b) \(\mathrm{Cu}\) (c) \(\mathrm{Fe}^{+3}\) (d) both 1 and 2

Short Answer

Step by step solution

List the reduction reactions and their respective reduction potentials.

Compare the reduction potentials.

Identify which metal will be deposited first.

Choose the correct answer among the options.

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