Question

1. State one factor that affects the preferential discharge of ions at the cathode 
2. Sodium sulphate was electrolysed using inert electrodes. Write the equation for the (2) reaction that takes place at the:
   1. cathode
   2. Anode

Answer 1

1.  
   1. Nature of the electrolyte
   2. Concentration
   3. Position of the element in the reactivity series
   4. Position of the electrochemical series
2.  
   1. 2H⁺(aq) + 2e⁻→ H₂(g) 
      OR
      4H⁺(aq) + 4e⁻ → 2H₂(g)
   2. 4OH⁻(aq) →2H₂O(l) + O₂(g) + 4e⁻