Question

Predict the species that will be oxidized first if the following mixture of molten salts undergoes electrolysis:

a.) Cu2+

b.) Mg2+

c.) Cl-

d.) Br-

e.) F-

Answer 1

Answer:

Explanation:

the species that will be oxidized first will depend upon their oxidation potential .  

oxidation potential are given as follows

F⁻ =  -  2.87 V   , Br⁻ = - 1.09 V , Cl⁻ = -1.36 V, Mg⁺² = -2.37 V, Cu⁺² = +.34 V

Higher the oxidation potential , higher the tendency to be oxidised .

so Cu⁺²  is easiest to be oxidised  . F⁻ is to be oxidised most difficult.

The order from easiest to most difficult as follows

Cu⁺² >  Br⁻ > Cl⁻ > Mg⁺² > F⁻