(a)(i) Explain briefly each of the following terms: I. anode; II. cathode. (ii) Sodium and aluminium are extracted by the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride and alumina respectively. Write balanced equations for the reactions at the anode and cathode during the extraction of: I. sodium; II. aluminium. (iii) Explain briefly why extraction of aluminium is considered environmentally friendly while that of sodium is not.
(b) Consider the reaction represented by the following equation: KCrO + HC1--> KCI + CrCl + HO + Cl (i) Explain briefly why this reaction is redox. (ii) Write balanced half equations for the reaction. (iii) Write the over-all balanced reaction equation.
(c) During the electrolysis of molten AlO, a current of 6A was passed through the electrolyte for 1 hr. 30 mins. Calculate the mass of aluminium deposited at the cathode.
Explanation
(a)(i) I. Anode – Electrode at which oxidation occurs / electron loss II. Cathode – Electrode at which reduction occurs / electron gain (ii) I. Cathodic reaction Na + e —> Na . Anodic reaction 2cl --> Cl + 2e II. Cathodic reaction Al + 3 —> Al. Anodic reaction 2O ----> O + 4e
(iii) In the extraction of aluminium, Oxygen is produced whereas in the extraction of sodium, chlorine is produced. Chlorine is an environmental pollutant whereas oxygen is not.
(b)(i) The reaction is a redox because both oxidation and reduction occur simultaneously. The oxidation number of Cr changes from +6 (in KCrO) to +3 (in CrCl). Cr is therefore reduced. The oxidation number of Cl changes from –1 (in HCl) to 0 (in Cl). CI is therefore oxidized. OR Removal of hydrogen from HCl is Oxidation. Removal of Oxygen from KCrO is reduction. (ii) Reduction CrO + 14H + 6e 2Cr + 7HO Oxidation 2Cl Cl + 2e (iii) CrO + 14H + 6Cl --> 2Cr + 7HO + 3Cl OR KCrO + 14HCl 2KCl + CrCl + HO + CI
(c) Q = I x T 6 x (30 +60) x 60 = 32400C Al + 3e Al