symboom - 28-3-2011 at 17:14
electrolysis of silver nitrate is preformed. silver is formed at the cathode and oxygen at the anode. what about the nitrate is the left over. is the
liquid dilute nitric acid or is it converted to ammonia by the cathode
[Edited on 29-3-2011 by symboom]
Mindchemist - 28-3-2011 at 17:16
I would imagine the silver ions get reduced:
Ag+ + e- = Ag
The oxygen ions in water get oxidized:
2O-2 = O2 + 4e-
And the hydrogen ions left from water combine with the nitrate ions from the silver nitrate to form nitric acid:
H+ + NO3- = HNO3
[Edited on 3-27-2011 by Mindchemist]
bbartlog - 28-3-2011 at 17:31
What would you use for an anode, though, that wouldn't be attacked?
Bot0nist - 28-3-2011 at 17:34
From pranav agrawal at <a
href="http://www.goiit.com/posts/list/physical-chemistry-how-do-we-predict-the-products-of-electrolysis-919998.htm">goiit.com</a>
"A)in silver electrode...
the contenders for anode :: Ag NO3 - OH-
reaction at anode :: Ag ----> Ag+ + e-
the contenders for cathode :: Ag+ H+
reaction at cathode :: Ag+ + e- ----> Ag
B)in platinum electrode...
the contenders for anode :: OH- NO3-
reaction at anode :: OH- ----> 1/2 H2O + 1/4 O2 + e-
the contenders for cathode :: Ag+ H+
reaction at cathode :: Ag+ + e- ----> Ag
we predict the products of electrolysis in the presence of different electrodes by the value their standard oxidation or reduction potential....(the
only way out)....but as such u must remember some important electrode reactions like this one!"
[Edited on 29-3-2011 by Bot0nist]