- #1
i_love_science
- 80
- 2
- Homework Statement
- Water is electrolyzed by passing a current of 0.500 amps through 1.00 L of 1.00 M Na2SO4 solution for 120 minutes. One gas is collected at the anode and a different gas is collected at the cathode.
a) Write the balanced equation for the cathode half-reaction.
b) Give the formula for the gas produced at the anode.
- Relevant Equations
- half reactions
The solution for a) is 2H2O+2e- → H2 +2OH-, and the solution for b) is O2, because the half reaction at the anode is
2H2O→O2 +4H+ + 4e-.
I don't understand why the electrolysis does not involve Na2SO4 being reduced or oxidized, and only considers water. Thanks.
2H2O→O2 +4H+ + 4e-.
I don't understand why the electrolysis does not involve Na2SO4 being reduced or oxidized, and only considers water. Thanks.