• Home
  • NCERT Solutions
  • Class 11
  • Chemistry
  • Redox Reactions
  • Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following:

    (i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes

    (ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes

    (iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes

    (iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes.

Predict the products of electrolysis in | Class 11 Chemistry Chapter Redox Reactions, Redox Reactions NCERT Solutions

Q27.

Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following:

(i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes

(ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes

(iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes

(iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes.

(i) AgNO3 ionizes in aqueous solutions to form Ag+ and NO-3 ions.

On electrolysis, either Ag+ ions or H2O molecules can be reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of Ag+ ions is higher than that of H2O.

Ag+(aq)  +  e-  →  Ag(s)  ;  E° = +0.80V

2H2O(l)  +  2e- →  H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)  ; E° = -0.83V

Hence, Ag+ ions are reduced at the cathode. Similarly, Ag metal or H2O molecules can be oxidized at the anode. But the oxidation potential of Ag is higher than that of H2O molecules.

Ag(s) →  Ag+(aq)  +  e-  ;   E° = -0.80V

2H2O(l)  →  O2(g) + 4 H+(aq) + 4e-   ; E° = -1.23V

Therefore, Ag metal gets oxidized at the anode.

 

(ii) Pt cannot be oxidized easily. Hence, at the anode, oxidation of water occurs to liberate O2. At the cathode, Ag+ ions are reduced and get deposited.

 

(iii) H2SO4 ionizes in aqueous solutions to give H+ and SO2-4 ions.

H2SO4(aq)  →  2H+(aq) + SO2-4(aq)

On electrolysis, either of H+ ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of H+ ions is higher than that of H2O molecules.

2H+(aq) + 2e- →  H2(g) ; E° = 0.0V

2H2O(aq) + 2e- →  H2g + 2OH-(aq)  ; E° = -0.83V

Hence, at the cathode, H+ ions are reduced to liberate H2 gas.

On the other hand, at the anode, either of SO2-4 ions or H2O molecules can get oxidized. But the oxidation of SO2-4 involves breaking of more bonds than that of H2O molecules.Hence, ions have a lower oxidation potential than H2O. Thus, H2O is oxidized at the anode to liberate O2 molecules.

 

(iv) In aqueous solutions, CuCl2 ionizes to give Cu2+ and Cl- ions as:

CuCl2(aq)  →  Cu2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)

On electrolysis, either of Cu2+ ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of Cu2+ is more than that of H2O molecules.

Cu2+(aq) + 2e-  →  Cu(aq)  ;  E° = +0.34V

H2O(l)  + 2e-  →  H2(g) + 2OH-  ;  E° = -0.83V

Hence, Cu2+ ions are reduced at the cathode and get deposited.

Similarly, at the anode, either of Cl- or H2O is oxidized. The oxidation potential of H2O is higher than that of Cl-.

2Cl-(aq) →  Cl2(g)  + 2e-  ;  E° = -1.36V

2H2O(l)  →  O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-   ;  E° =  -1.23V

But oxidation of H2O molecules occurs at a lower electrode potential than that of Cl- ions because of over-voltage (extra voltage required to liberate gas). As a result, Cl- ions are oxidized at the anode to liberate Cl2 gas.

👍 0
👎 0
✍️ Add Answer
🚩 Report

Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Redox Reactions.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

Important Questions & Answers

Why is this answer important for exams?

This question is important because it tests key concepts from the NCERT syllabus and is frequently asked in CBSE exams.

Which NCERT concept is used in this question?

This question is based on core NCERT concepts explained in the chapter and should be revised thoroughly before exams.

What common mistakes should be avoided in this question?

Students often lose marks by skipping steps, writing incomplete explanations, or misunderstanding keywords used in the question.

What is the correct answer to: Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: (i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes (ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes (iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes (iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes.?

(i) AgNO3 ionizes in aqueous solutions to form Ag+ and NO-3 ions.

On electrolysis, either Ag+ ions or H2O molecules can be reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of Ag+ ions is higher than that of H2O.

...

How do you solve Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: (i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes (ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes (iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes (iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes. step by step?

Step-by-step explanation:
• (i) AgNO3 ionizes in aqueous solutions to form Ag+ and NO-3 ions
•
•
• On electrolysis, either Ag+ ions or H2O molecules can be reduced at the cathode
• But the reduction potential of Ag+ ions is higher than that of H2O

Latest Blog Posts

Stay updated with our latest educational content and study tips

Business After 30 or a Stable Job: Which Path Should You Choose?

Business After 30 or a Stable Job: Which Path Should You Choose?

Thirty is when the question starts to get raised and you’re able to do something because you know you have the experience—you know you have the responsibility. Here are some ways to consider the choice based on a realistic assessment without idealizing either aspect. Restlessness is one of those things that appears in your early … Read more

Read More
How to Return to Work After a Career Break: Skills, Jobs and Preparation in 2026

How to Return to Work After a Career Break: Skills, Jobs and Preparation in 2026

It’s not about starting over if you took a break to care for children, take care of yourself, be healthy or for any other reason. This is a realistic strategy for the recovery of skills, selection of the right job, and overcoming the resume problem. One year, three years or 10 years of a career … Read more

Read More
Best Career Options After Class 12 for Average Students in 2026

Best Career Options After Class 12 for Average Students in 2026

There’s no need to score 95% or achieve a JEE/NEET rank. You don’t need to score 95% or rank in JEE/NEET to build a solid career. A candid and pragmatic guide to the routes that actually work for students who have an average mark and what to do when faced with the options. ​ If … Read more

Read More
Coaching vs Self-Study: Which is Best in 2026 for Competitive Exams?

Coaching vs Self-Study: Which is Best in 2026 for Competitive Exams?

AI tools, online platforms that are much cheaper than coaching centres and the changing idea of what “structure” even means have upended this argument more in the past two years than in the decade preceding it. Here’s what is really the case for 2026 – and what has actually stayed the same. If you look … Read more

Read More

Student Discussion

Be the first to comment.

ADD NEW COMMENT

        Can’t find your school? Type full name and submit.