Instruction: Do complete the explanation above about the factors affecting the

electrolysis of aqueous solution

Factors Affecting The Selective Discharge - Concentration

If the concentration of a particular ion is high, it may be selected to be discharged even
though it is higher in the electrochemical series compares with another ion present in the
solution.

Example

Electrolysis of Diluted Hydrochloric Acid Electrolysis of Concentrated Hydrochloric

Acid
Ions presence at Ions presence at
Anode: Anode:

Cathode: Cathode:

Observation at
Anode:
Colour gas is produced. When a glowing
wooden splinter is inserted into the test tube
that contain the gas, the splinter is …………...
Cathode
Colour gas is produced. When a lighted
wooden splinter is brought close to the test
tube that contain the gas, a …………….…..
produced.
Half Equation of the Reaction at
Anode:
Observation at
Anode:
A greenish yellow gas produced. When a blue
litmus paper is inserted into the test tube that
contain the gas, the blue litmus paper turn
…….. and then become ……………...
Cathode
Colour gas is produced. When a lighted
wooden splinter is brought close to the test
tube that contain the gas, a …………………..
produced.
Half Equation of the Reaction at
Anode:

Cathode: Cathode:
Note: At anode, the position of hydroxide ion (OH-) is lower compare to chloride ion (Cl-).
However, chloride is selected to be discharged because its concentration is much higher
than he concentration of hydroxide ion.

Additional Note:
1. Nevertheless, concentration is not a determining factor. It only affects the selective
discharge of the ions which is very close to each other in electrochemical series.
2. The chart below summarises the ions that likely to be selected if they are presence
with hydrogen ions at cathode or hydroxide ions at anode with high concentration.
Factors Affecting The Selective Discharge - Types Of Electrode
Type of Electrode
1. There are 2 types of electrode:
1. Inert electrode
Inert electrodes do not react with electrolyte and does not take part in the
chemical reaction. (Example: Carbon, platinum)
2. Active electrode
Active electrode will react with the electrolyte and take part in the reaction.
(Example: Copper, Silver, Mercury)

Example: Electrolysis of Copper(II) Sulphate with Carbon/Copper Electrodes

Using Carbon Electrode Using Copper Electrode

Ions presence at Ions presence at

Anode: Anode:

Cathode: Cathode:

Observation at Observation at
Anode: Anode:
……………….gas is produced. When a glowing The electrode become ……………….
wooden splinter is inserted into the test tube that
contain the gas, the wooden splinter is rekindled. Cathode
The electrode become ……………….
Cathode
The electrode become ……………….. Colour of the Solution:
Remain ……………………
Colour of the Solution:
Become ………………………

Half Equation of the Reaction at Half Equation of the Reaction at

Anode: Anode:

Cathode: Cathode:

Note:
For the electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate solution by using copper electrodes, both the
hydroxide and sulphate ions are not selected to be discharged, Instead, the copper electrode
ionise to form copper(II) ions. The electrode has taken part in the reaction!
Factors Affecting The Selective Discharge - Electrochemical Series
1. The tendency of ions to be selected to be discharged at an electrode depends on
their position in a series called the electrochemical series.
2. The ions at the top of the list is more difficult to be discharged, but as we go down the
table, they become easier to be discharged.
3. During electrolysis, the ion in the lower position will be selected to be discharge.
4. Figure below shows the electrochemical series for the positive and negative ions.

Example: Electrolysis of Aqueous Sulphuric Acid

1. Figure above shows the setup of apparatus used to investigate the electrolysis of
aqueous sulphuric acid.
2. Carbon electrodes are used as the anode and cathode.
 3. The molecules of sulphuric acid ionise to form hydrogen ions and sulphuric ions.
H2SO4 → 2H+ + SO42-
4. In an aqueous solution, water molecules will also ionise to form hydrogen ions and
hydroxide ions.
H2O → H+ + OH-
5. Therefore, the ions that present in the solution are ........, ……., ……. and ……….

At anode (Positive Electrode)

The negative ions (SO42- and OH-) will be attracted to the anode.
1. OH- ions is lower than SO42- ions in electrochemical series, hence the OH- ions will
be selected to be discharged at anode.
2. The OH- ions discharged to form …………… and …………… gas.

……………………………………………………

Observation:
Colourless gas bubbles are released around anode. When a glowing wooden splinter is
inserted into the test tube that contain the gas, the wooden splinter light up.

At cathode (Negative Electrode)

1. The positive ions (H+) are attracted to cathode.
2. The H+ ions are discharged to form ……………. ………………

………………………………………………………..

Observation:
Colourless gas bubbles are released around cathode. When a lighted wooden splinter is
brought close to the mouth of the test tube that contain the gas, a "pop" sound is produced.

Note:
Selective discharge occur at anode when there are more than one type of ions present. The
ions located lower in the electrochemical series is selected to be discharge.