MODULE 2

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

At the end of the lesson, you are expected to:

➢ Explain the concept of electrochemistry

➢ Differentiate the types of electrochemical cells
➢ Calculate the electromotive force or voltage output of some redox reaction
➢ explain Nerst equation
➢ discuss the significance of electrode potential such as:

a. amount of electrical energy,

b. free-energy change, and
c. equilibrium constant
➢ predict electrode products of a given electrolysis process,

➢ give some applications of electrolysis;

➢ explain Faraday’s Law of electrolysis; and
➢ solve problerns on Faraday’s Law as applied to electroplating
 ACTIVITY
A car needs a battery to run, radio needs electricity from power plant or batteries to
operate and a less expensive jewelry had to be plated with gold or silver to look lustrous and
beautiful. All these are applications of electrochemistry, a branch of chemistry that/relates
electricity and chemical reactions.

Here are two video clips that show a short introduction about electrochemistry and
REDOX reactions.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQ6FBA1HM3s

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IV4IUsholjg

Based on the video you have watched, answer the following questions.

1. Discuss the importance of understanding the concept of REDOX reaction in studying

electrochemistry.
Knowing the concept of redox reaction is important as it helps us understand the
meaning of the terms and names used which are sometimes misleading everyone because
it’s meaning is the opposite of the meaning of the actual word it got it name from. Knowing it
also reduce the confusion of the words. Reduction also happens all around us from the
conversion of sugar of our body, photosynthesis, and the batteries of our gadgets, it all
involves redox.

2. Explain the concept of Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry are reaction that produce or consume free electrons as it reacts.
These free electrons are used to do work in the form of electricity and used in a lot of
electricity run machines and gadgets such as laptops and cellphones which are run with
Lithium-Ion batteries and wall clocks and toys with are powered with carbon batteries. These
electrons flow through metals which are conductors and allows to travel in a circuit. These
flow happens depends on how strong the push or pull of electrical potential commonly
known as “voltage” is available.

3. Enumerate practical applications of electrochemistry.

Electrochemistry can be used in various ways. Battery Cells are one example of the
way to use electrochemical energy. Batteries are made in various chemicals such as Lithium
and Silver-oxide. It is used in cellphones, laptops, watches, hearing aids, and in military.
Another use of electrochemistry is electro plating where electricity is used to coat an
electrically conductive of thin layer of metal.
 DISCUSSION

2.1 Electrochemical Reactions

There are two types of electrochemical reactions:

1. Those which produce electricity from chemical reactions. The process takes place in a
voltaic cell wherein the positive electrode is the cathode and the negative electrode is the
anode.

2. Those which use electricity to cause the reactions to occur. The process takes place in an
electrolytic cell wherein the positive electrode is the anode and the negative electrode is the
cathode.

Whether the cell is voltaic or electrolytic, oxidation always occurs at the anode, while the
reduction always occur at the cathode.

Oxidation-Reduction (REDOX) reactions occur simultaneously, Oxidation involves the

loss of electrons which results in an increase in the oxidation number of the atom or ion.
Reduction involves the gain of electrons which results in the decrease in the oxidation number
of the atom or ion. The substance that is oxidized is called the reducing agent, while the
substance that is reduced is the oxidizing agent.

Examples of electrochemical reaction:

When Zn is added to a CuSO4 solution, Cu+2 ions are converted to Cu atoms. Zn atoms
enter the solution as Zn+2 ions.

Since the oxidation number of Zn increases from 0 to +2, Zn is oxidized; Zn lost 2

electrons. On the other hand, the oxidation number of Cu decreases from +2 to 0, Cu is
reduced; Cu gained 2 electrons. The oxidation number of S does not change, it is neither
oxidized nor reduced.

Zn is oxidized, therefore, it-is the reducing agent while Cu is reduced, and therefore,
CuSO4 is the oxidizing agent.

2.2 Voltaic Cells

 Voltaic cell is named after Alessandro Volta who experimented on the conversion of
chemical energy to electrical energy. In spontaneous oxidation- reduction (redox) reactions,
electrons are transferred and energy is released. This energy can do work if the electrons flow
through an external device. Such setup is called a voltaic cell. There are many examples of
voltaic cell, and one of these is the Daniel cell, illustrated below:

In the Daniel Cell:

1. The oxidation occurs at the anode.

2. The reduction occurs at the cathode.
3. The half-cell reactions are:

4. The electrons lost by Zn move through the external circuit (Cu wire) as an electric
current to the cathode where they are gained by the Cu+2 ions.
5. When an electron flows from the anode to the cathode, the charges in each beaker
would not be balanced and the flow of electrons would stop. Therefore, salt bridge, a U-
shaped tube that contains a salt solution, is used to keep the charges balanced. The salt
bridge provides for the diffusion of ions, the positive ions towards the CuSO4 and the
negative ions towards the ZnSO4.
6. The over-all reaction is as follows:
 The electrical current flows from the negative electrode (anode) to the positive
electrode (cathode) because there is a difference in the electrical potential between the
two electrodes. The difference in electrical potential is called an electromotive force,
emf (cell potential or cell voltage), which is measured by a voltmeter.

2.3 Electrode Potential

The voltage or electromotive force (emf) of a cell, which is measured in volts, is

the sum of two half-cell potentials using the standard cell potential values (E°). The
standard cell potential of the cell at conditions: (1) when all of the ion concentrations are
1 M, (2) temperature is 25°C, and (3) pressure is one atmosphere for gases. The E°
values were established by comparing the potential of the cell with a reference cell. The
hydrogen electrode whose potential is zero is used as the reference cell. The Standard
Reduction Potentials Table is presented in Table 2.1.

Most Standard Electrode Potential tables give only one value. For example, the
given value for the forward reaction below which is reduction as obtained from the Table
2.1:
 If the electrode reaction is oxidation, the reverse reaction is used and the sign of the
value is changed.

The standard potential values are intensive properties, hence are not affected by the
change of stoichiometric coefficients during balancing.

For example: Suppose the reaction is multiplied by 2, it becomes:

The E° values are useful for evaluating redox reactions. Substances with high positive
reduction potential are strong oxidizing agents (greater tendency to be reduced) and substances
with high positive oxidation potential or low reduction potentials are strong reducing agents
(greater tendency to be oxidized). As can be seen in the table, the substances are arranged
from least active metal to most active metal. Therefore, less active metal has greater tendency
to be reduced, and more active metal has greater tendency to be oxidized.

The cell potential value (Ecell) determines whether the proposed half-cell reactions will
occur or not. If the value is positive, the reaction is spontaneous and will occur as it is written. If
the value is negative, the reaction is non-spontaneous and it will not occur as it is written,
however, if the half-cell reactions are reversed, i.e. the oxidation becomes, the reduction, the
reaction will occur (if the E°cell of the non-spontaneous reaction is measured with a voltmeter,
the reading is negative, hence the electrode should be reversed).

The reaction is spontaneous when more reactive metal is placed in the anode and less
reactive metal is placed in the cathode. In galvanic cell, electron will always flow from more to
less reactive metal.
OUTPUT 1
I. For each of the following;

a. Write the overall cell reaction/ cell representation

b. Calculate the standard cell potential (E°)

c. Determine whether the reaction is spontaneous or non-spontaneous.

1. Zn(s) + Ni+2(aq) —> Zn+2 (aq) + Ni(s)

2. Pb(s) + Sn+2(aq)—> Pb+2 (aq) + Sn(s)

3. Al/ Al+3 // Mg+2 / Mg

4. Ca/ Ca+2 //Cr+2 / Cr

5. Mg/ Mg+2 // Fe+2 / Fe

II. In the table of standard reduction potentials, locate the half-reactions for the reductions of the
following metal ions to the metal: Sn+2(aq), Au+ (aq), Zn+2 (aq), Co2+ (aq), Ag+ (aq), and Cu+2
(aq). Among the metal ions and metals that make up these half-reactions: |

a) Which metal ion is the weakest oxidizing agent?

Answer: Zn+2 (aq) - 0.76

b) Which metal ion is the strongest oxidizing agent?

Answer: Au+(aq) +1.50

c) Which metal is the strongest reducing agent?

Answer: Zn+2(aq) – 0.76

d) Which metal is the weakest reducing agent?

Answer: Au+(aq) +1.50

e) Will Sn(s) reduce Cu2+(aq) to Cu(s)?

Answer: Yes, because Sn(s) is a stronger reducing agent than Cu+2(aq)

f) Will Ag(s) reduce Co2+ (aq) to Co(s)?

Answer: No, because Ag(s) is a weaker reducing agent than Co+2(aq)

 g) Which metal ions on the list can be reduced by Sn(s)?

Answer: Cu(s), Ag(s), and Au(s)

h) What metals can be oxidized by Ag+(aq)?

Answer: Cu+2(aq), Sn+2(aq), Co+2(aq), and Zn+2(aq)

Nonstandard Conditions

In real world applications, corrosion, a very common example of redox- reactions occurs
in nature at non-standard conditions. You may have asked “What must we do to account for the
differences that arise when standard conditions are not present?” This situation has a clear
relationship with thermodynamics. The equation that describes cell potentials in nonstandard
conditions is called the Nernst equation:

where:

Q (in Chemical Equilibrium) - the product of the concentrations of the products divided
by the product of the concentrations of the reactants, each concentration raised to the power of
its stoichiometric coefficients.

Using base -10 logarithms,

OUTPUT 2

1. Use the Nernst equation to calculate the cell potentials of the following cells at 298 K:
a. Cu(s) + PtCl62-(aq)(0.10 M) > Cu2+(aq)(0.20 M) + PtCl4(aq) (0.10 M) + 2CI-(aq)(0.40 M)

b. Pb(s) + SO42-(aq) (0.30M) + 2AgCl(s) > PbSO4(s) + 2Ag(s) + 2CI-(aq) (0.20M)

2. One half-cell in a voltaic cell is constructed from a silver wire dipped into a AgNO3 solution of unknown
concentration. The other half-cell consists of a zinc electrode in a 1.0 M solution of Zn(NO3) 2. A
potential of 1.48 V is measured for this cell. Use this information to calculate the concentration of
Ag+(aq).
2.4 Significance of Electromotive Force

Electromotive force is used to calculate the amount of electrical energy, equilibrium

constant (K) and standard free-energy change (AG°). The K and AG° are also used to
determine the spontaneity of the redox reaction.

2.4.1 Amount of electrical energy

The constant flow of electrons generates electrical energy. Electrical energy is the
product of electromotive force expressed in volts and the total electrical charge in coulombs,
which is equal to the number of moles of electrons (n) that pass through the circuit multiplied to
the Faraday’s constant, F .

2.4.2. Free- energy change (AG°)

Electromotive force (E°) and free-energy change at standard-state conditions are related
as can be seen below:

AG°= - nFE°cell

The change in free energy is the maximum amount of useful electrical work that can be
obtained from the reaction. The (-) sign implies that electrical work is done on the surroundings.

2.4.3. Equilibrium Constant (K)

Free-energy change is written as: AG°=-RT In k

Therefore, it can also be written as: - nFE°cell = - RT In K

Deriving K:
 OUTPUT 3

Calculate the (a) electrical energy, (b) AG°, and (c) K of the reaction:

1. Fe+2 (aq) / Fe+3 (aq) //Ag+ (aq) / Ag(s)

2. Zn(s) / Zn+2 (aq) // Cr+3 (aq) / Cr(s)

3. Fe(s) + Hg+2 (aq) --> Fe+2 (aq) + Hg(l)

4. Zn(s) + Ni+2 (aq) + Zn+2 (aq) + Ni(s)

5. Pb(s) + Sn+2 (aq)—> Pb+2 (aq) + Sn(s)

6. Al(s) / Al+3 (aq)// Mg+2 (aq) / Mg(s)

7. Ca(s) / Ca+2 (aq)// Cr+3 (aq) / Cr(s)

8. Mg(s) / Mg+2 (aq) // Fe+2 (aq) / Fe(s)

2.5 Applications of Oxidation-Reduction Reactions

2.5.1 Batteries- these include primary cells like dry cells, and secondary cells such as lead
storage battery and Edison storage battery. Primary cells or irreversible cells cannot be
recharged because the electrodes and electrolytes cannot be restored to the original state by an
external potential. On the other hand, secondary cells can be used repeatedly. The
substances used in the production of electricity through cells are in the reverse direction during
discharge. This recharges the cell. Examples of secondary cells are lead storage battery,
Edison storage battery and nickel- cadmium storage cell.

The Dry Cell

a. Carbon-Zinc dry cell

The Main Components:

1. Zn-anode que metal cap (+)

2. Carbon rod-cathode Carbon rod

3. Paste of MnOz, NH4Cl, H20 as the electrolyte

4. Porous paper- separates the paste
from the Zn casing, also allows for the diffusion of ion.

The cathode reaction is complex and a mixture of products is formed. As NHs builds up
around the carbon rod, it insulates the rod thus decreasing the power output, but when the cell
is allowed to rest, the NHs diffuses towards the anode and combines with Zn+2 ions.

b. Alkaline cell also uses Zn and MnO2 but KOH is the electrolyte. The voltage output is
about 1.54 V. It has a longer shelf-life and delivers higher currents for longer period than Zn-C
cell. Alkaline cell is often sold as cheap watch battery. It is also the battery used in flashlights,
MP3 players, and handheld video games.

c. Mercury cell can be made compact so it is used where small size is important like in
pacemakers, hearing aids and electric watches. The electrolyte is KOH.
 The Hg does not flow since it is mixed with HgO and graphite powder.

The electrolyte is held by an absorbent cotton pad. The emf is 1.3 V.

d. Silver oxide cell is the miniature battery used in wristwatches, calculators and
autoexposure cameras. The silver content increases the cost of the cell. The emf is about 1.5 V.

Secondary cells

a. Lead Storage Battery

The lead storage battery functions as a voltaic cell when used as a source of
direct current e.g. to start the engine of a vehicle or to supply power to the electrical
accessories of the vehicle. When the engine is running, it functions as an electrolytic
cell.

The components are (a) Pb spongy as anode (b) PbO2 and (c) dilute aqueous
solution of H2SO4

When the cell is discharging the reactions are:

The PbSO4 is insoluble in water and sticks to both electrodes and causes the
discharging of batteries. The electrolyte is also depleted of the H2SO4 and the
concentration decreases, whereby the density also decreases. The density indicates the
state of charge of the battery.

Running an external current recharges the battery, the flow of electrons and the
chemical reactions at each electrode can be reversed.
 The heat produced during the discharging can evaporate some of the water from the
cells. Distilled water should be used to restore the fluid back. Impurities in water may cause the
loss of charge on a battery.

b. Edison storage battery

The Edison storage battery consists of steel anode plates packed with iron and
cathode plates packed with hydrated NiO2. The electrolyte is 21% KOH solution with
some LiOH. When the cell is delivering current, the reactions are:

The emf of each cell is about 1.47 V. The battery is sealed otherwise the KOH
and the LiOH will form carbonates with atmospheric CO2. The edison storage battery is
lighter and more durable than the lead storage battery, but it is more expensive.

c. Nickel-Cadmium storage cell

The Nickel-Cadmium storage cell is the battery that powers rechargeable

electronic calculators, electric shavers and power rods. The emf of the cell is about 1.4V.

d. Hydrogen Fuel Cells

In this cell, hydrogen and oxygen gases are bubbled through the two inert
electrodes to form water, heat, and electricity. The anode-cathode reactions are: .

2.5.3 Corrosion

Corrosion is the chemical attack on the metal or deterioration of metal through

oxidation by its environment. Itis a galvanic process wherein the metal that corrode acts
as the anode.

In the rusting of iron, the following steps occur:

 1. Fe + 2H2CO3 —> Fe+2 + 2H+ + 2HCO3- + 2e-
2. 4H+ +O2 + 4- —> 2H20
3. 4Fe+2 + O2 + (4 + 2x) H20 — 2Fe2O3 ● XH20 + 8H+

2.6 Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a process that utilizes electrical potential energy to cause a

chemical reaction that does not occur spontaneously. As direct current is passed
through a solution of an electrolyte, the anions move towards the anode, where they give
up their electrons. The’ electrons move through the metallic conductor and through the
generator of the electric current to the cathode, where the cations are discharged by
taking up these electrons,

2.6.1. Electrode Products

It is not always easy or even possible | to predict what products will result when a
direct current Is passed through an aqueous solution of an electrolyte. In addition to the
ions from the electrolyte, water molecules and the ions from water (H+ and OH-) are
present. These may also participate in the electrochemical reactions. Furthermore, the
electrode products obtained with concentrated solutions (or molten state) often differ
from those obtained with dilute solutions. In some cases, one or both of the electrodes
may react (the anode in the electroplating of silver is one of the reactants). To narrow
the list of variables, inert electrodes, usually platinum, are used. The following rules are
applied to predict electrode products for a considerable number of reactants.

At the inert cathode (-), the following occurs,

1. If the metal is below hydrogen activity, electrolysis of aqueous solution

of its salts causes the metal to form at the cathode. For example, if a water
solution of CuCl2, of AgNO3 or of HgCl2 is electrolyzed, Cu, Ag, or Hg
respectively will be formed. |

2. If a metal is above hydrogen in activity, electrolysis of aqueous

solutions of it usually liberates hydrogen gas at the cathode. For example, if
aqueous NaCl, or KCI, or MgCl2 is electrolyzed, hydrogen will be liberated at the
cathode in each case.

At the inert anode (+), the following occurs,

1. Oxygen is liberated during the electrolysis of most salts with anions

containing oxygen, such as SO4-2? and NO3-
Example:
2. Anions such as Cl-, Br-, and I- (but not F-) are more easily oxidized than
water. Hence, the free halogen is liberated. For example, during
electrolysis of molten or concentrated sodium chloride, chlorine is
liberated at the anode. In case of dilute solution, oxygen as well as
chlorine are formed.
 OUTPUT 4

1. Explain why different products are obtained in the electrolysis of molten ZnCl2 and in the electrolysis of an
aqueous solution of ZnCl.

Answer: The products obtained in the electrolysis of molten ZnCl and the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of
ZnCl is because of the presence of electrolytes, water molecules, and ions in the water. The presence of the
following makes it difficult to predict the products and the changes that can happen.

2. What is liberated at each electrode when the following are electrolyzed between inert electrodes?

a. Aqueous solution of Na3PO4

b. Molten KCI
c. Aqueous solution of AgNO3
d. Concentrated solution of NiSO«
e. Dilute solution of AuCl3

Cathode Product Anode Product

a. Aqueous solution of Na3PO4 Na O2
b. Molten KCI H2 Cl2, O2
c. Aqueous solution of AgNO3 H2 O2
d. Concentrated solution of NiSO« Ni O2
e. Dilute solution of AuCl3 Au Cl2, O2

2.7 Application of Electrolysis

Electrolysis with active electrodes has a number of industrial applications among which are
electroplating, the production of some common chemicals like aluminum, magnesium, and sodium, the
refining of copper and the synthesis of sodium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite.

A. Electroplating

Electroplating is the process of coating a material with metals to improve its appearance
and durability. For example, bumpers are chrome-plated to make them attractive and to prevent
rusting of steel. Likewise, silver or gold plating is applied to less expensive jewelry to make it
lustrous and beautiful.

In electroplating, the plating metal is the anode while the

article to be plated is the cathode. Both electrodes are immersed
in the plating bath which is an aqueous solution of a salt of the
plating metal. For example, in copper plating, the solution may
be made from CuSO4 ; for silver plating, AgNO3. The current
source is DC and in commercial production, a rectifier is used to
convert the AC to DC,

The figure at the right shows the set-up

for electroplating silver. The Ag+ ion from the solution is reduced at the cathode where it is deposited as
metallic Ag. The Ag atom from the plating metal is oxidized and the Ag+ goes into the solution to replace
the used-up ions.

B. Production of Aluminum

The Hall Process produces aluminum by electrolysis. The ore, bauxite, contains Al2O3.
After the ore is purified the Al2O3 is added to molten cryolite, Na3AlF6, which is the electrolyte.
The Al2O3 dissolves and dissociates. These reactions at the electrodes are:

The aluminum forms as a layer below the less dense electrolyte. The oxygen attacks
that carbon anode producing CO2 so that the anode is replaced frequently and such together
with the enormous amount of electricity consumed add to the cost of production.

C. Production of Magnesium

The seawater, which is the major source of Mg, is made basic to precipitate the Mg(OH)2
which is separated by filtration, Adding HCl produce MgCl2 which is melted and electrolyzed.

D. Purification of Copper

The impurities in copper mostly Ag, Au, Pt, Fe, and Zn reduce its electrical conductivity.
In the refining of copper, the anode is the impure copper and the cathode is a thin sheet of very
pure copper. The electrolyte is a solution of CuSO4 in H2SO4. Under correct voltage only the Cu
and the impurities more easily oxidized than Cu (like Zn and Fe) dissolve at the anode. The less
active metals simply settle at the bottom of the container. At the cathode, only the Cu+2 ions are
reduced, but the Zn and Fe ions remain in solution because they are more difficult to reduce
than Cu. Gradually the impure Cu
dissolves and the pure Cu cathode
grows. The sludge called anode mud
accumulates and is removed
periodically and this is a good source
of the precious metals, Ag and Au.
Quantitative Changes During Electrolysis

Faraday from his series of experiments arrived at the quantitative relationships

between the amount of chemical changes during electrolysis and the quantity of current
used and the length of time the process is run.

1. The mass of the chemical substances produced at the electrode is directly

proportional to the electricity passed through the solution. Consider the following
cathode reactions:

a. Ag+ + 1e- —> Ag 1 mole of electrons (6.02 x 102°) deposits

1 mole Ag (108 g)

b. Cu+2 + 2e- + Cu 2 moles of electrons deposit 1 mole Cu (64g)

or 1 mole of electrons deposit % mole Cu

c. Au+3 + 3e- ------ > Au 3 moles of electrons deposit 1 mole Au

(197g) or 1 mole of electrons deposits 1/3

mole Au

If the amount of the metal that receives 1 mole of electrons (which is also equal
to 1 Faraday) is equal to the equivalent mass of the element then a Current of 1 Faraday
will cause the oxidation or reduction of 1 equivalent mass of the substances.

2. The masses of the different substances produced by the same quantity of electricity are
proportional to their equivalent masses.
When two different metals are deposited by the same amount of electricity and
the same time, more of the metal with higher equivalent mass will be deposited. With the
same amount of electricity and with the same time more of the Ag will be deposited (EM
= 108 g/eq) compared with Cu (EM =32 g/eq).
Calculations Involving Faraday’s Law of Electrolysis

The following equivalents may be used in the calculations:

OUTPUT 5
Answer the following:
1. A steady current of 3 A is maintained for 10 minutes in a AgNO3 solution. How much Ag
is deposited at the cathode?

ECE of Ag = (108/1)g/eq / 96 500 Coulomb/eq

= 0. 00111917g/Coulomb
I =3A
T = 10 mins x 60 secs/ 1 min
T = 600 secs
Amount Deposited = ECE x l x t = (0.00112g/Coulomb x 3 A x 600 secs = 2.016 g Ag

2. How long will it take to deposit 1.5 g of Cu on a metal when a current of 5 A is applied to
a CuSO4 solution?

ECE of Ag = (64/2)g/eq / 96 500 Coulomb/eq

= 0. 00033g/Coulomb
I =5A
Amount Deposited = 1.5g
T = Amount Deposited/ ECE x l
T = 1.5g /0.00033 g/ Coulomb x 5 A
= 909.0909091 secs
= 909.0909091 secs x 1 min / 60 secs = 15.15152 mins

3. What current strength in ampere is required to deposit 500 mg of Ni+2 from a Ni+2 plating
cell for an hour?

ECE of Ni = (59/2)g/eq / 96 500 Coulomb/eq

= 0. 00030g/Coulomb
Amount Deposited = 500mg x 0.001g / 1mg = 0.5 g
T = 1hr x (60 mins/1hr) x (60 secs/ 1min) = 3 600 secs
I = Amount Deposited/ECE x t = 0.5g / 0.00030g/Coulomb x 3 600secs

I = 0.5 / 1.08 = 0.462962963 A or 0.46296 A

4. How many Coulombs will it take to plate out 11.2 g of Fe from a solution of FeCl2?

ECE of Fe = (56/2)g/eq / 96 500 Coulomb/eq

= 0. 000290155g/Coulomb
Amount Deposited = 11.2g
Q = Amount Deposited x ECE = 11.2g / 0.000290155g/Coulomb

Q = 38 600 Coulomb
 5. In a NiSO4 bath, a current of 12 A is employed to plate Ni on both sides of the cathode,
a square metal sheet, 5 cm on each side. The density of the metal is 10.5 g/cm3.

a. How much Ni is plated on the cathode in one hour?

= lt / 96 500 Coulomb/eq
= (12 A (1hr x 60 mins/1hr x 60 secs/1min) / 96 500 Coulomb/eq
= 0.4477
2F = 1mol Ni
F = (0.4477/2) x 59

= 13.21 g of Na

b. What is the thickness of the plating on the cathode?

= 13.21 g / 10.5 g/cm3

= 1.26 cm3
Area = s2
= (5cm)2
= 25cm2
Thickness = volume / area = 1.26 cm3 / 25cm2

= 0.0504 cm

6. Considering only the cost of electricity, would it be cheaper to produce a ton of sodium
or a ton of aluminum by electrolysis?

ECE of Na = (23/1) g/eq / 96 500 Coulomb/eq

= 2.38 x 10-4 g/Coulomb

ECE of Al = (27/3) g/eq / 96 500 Coulomb/eq

= 9.33 x 10-5 g/Coulomb

Answer It is much cheaper to produce a ton of Sodium than a ton of aluminum by

electrolytes. Electrolysis can produce 1.447 x 10-4 more Sodium than Aluminum.

Source: Pastran, N (2019); WorkText in Chemistry for Engineers and Engineering

Technologists.