The electrolysis of other molten substances
3 marks · EasyThe electrolysis of molten zinc(II) chloride produces two substances at the electrodes.
Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction at the cathode.
Write the ionic half-equation for the reaction at the anode.
State which type of particle (cation or anion) moves towards the cathode.
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(a) Zn^{2+} + 2e^- \to Zn
(b) 2Cl^- \to Cl_2 + 2e^-
(c) Cations
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Marking points
A1 (a) · 1 mark · Writes correct cathode half-equation: Zn^{2+} + 2e^- \to Zn.
A2 (b) · 1 mark · Writes correct anode half-equation: 2Cl^- \to Cl_2 + 2e^-.
B1 (c) · 1 mark · Identifies cation as the particle moving to the cathode.
Worked solution
a) Cathode: Zn^{2+} + 2e^- \to Zn
b) Anode: 2Cl^- \to Cl_2 + 2e^-
c) Cations move towards the cathode.