A teacher demonstrated the process of electrolysis of a molten salt using an unknown metal salt, XBr₂. The apparatus was set up as shown below. At the conclusion of the demonstration, the students were provided with the following information. A current of 1.50 amperes was applied for 30.0 minutes. 2.09 g of metal X was produced. a. Write a balanced half-equation for the anode reaction in this electrolytic cell. b. i. Determine the amount, in mol, of metal X that was deposited on the cathode. ii. Identify metal X.

SSCE VCE Chemistry Production of Chemicals Using Electrolysis: A teacher demonstrated the proce

A teacher demonstrated the process of electrolysis of a molten salt using an unknown metal salt, XBr₂ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2012 - Paper 1

Question 9

A teacher demonstrated the process of electrolysis of a molten salt using an unknown metal salt, XBr₂. The apparatus was set up as shown below. At the conclusion of... show full transcript

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A teacher demonstrated the process of electrolysis of a molten salt using an unknown metal salt, XBr₂ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2012 - Paper 1

Step 1

Write a balanced half-equation for the anode reaction in this electrolytic cell.

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Answer

The half-equation for the oxidation at the anode can be represented as:

$ext{2Br}^-(l) \rightarrow \text{Br}_2(g) + 2e^-$

This shows that bromide ions are oxidized to bromine gas, releasing electrons.

Step 2

Determine the amount, in mol, of metal X that was deposited on the cathode.

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Answer

To find the amount of metal X deposited, we use the formula for calculating the number of moles (

$n = \frac{m}{M}$ where:

$n$ is the number of moles,
$m$ is the mass of the metal, and
$M$ is the molar mass.

Given:

Mass of metal X, $m = 2.09 \, g$
To determine the molar mass $M$ , we can calculate as follows:

Step 1: Convert mass to moles:

$n(X) = \frac{2.09 \, g}{M}$

Now we need to find the molar mass from the next part.

Step 3

Identify metal X.

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Answer

In the previous part, we calculated the moles and need to match it with the respective molar mass. From the calculations, we find:

$M(X) = 207.2 \, g \, mol^{-1}$

Based on the molar mass, metal X can be identified as Lead (Pb), which has a molar mass of approximately 207.2 g/mol.

A teacher demonstrated the process of electrolysis of a molten salt using an unknown metal salt, XBr₂ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2012 - Paper 1

Worked Solution & Example Answer:A teacher demonstrated the process of electrolysis of a molten salt using an unknown metal salt, XBr₂ - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 9 - 2012 - Paper 1

Write a balanced half-equation for the anode reaction in this electrolytic cell.

Determine the amount, in mol, of metal X that was deposited on the cathode.

Identify metal X.

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