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2024 O Level Chem P1 Q23 — Electrolysis of Molten Compounds Solution

Electrolysis of Molten Compounds 2024 O Level Pure Chemistry · Paper 1 · Q23

Question

Which half-equations represent the reaction taking place using inert electrodes during the electrolysis of molten calcium chloride?
  1. Apositive: 2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻; negative: Ca⁺ + e⁻ → Ca
  2. Bpositive: 2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻; negative: Ca²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Ca
  3. Cpositive: Cl²⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻; negative: Ca⁺ + e⁻ → Ca
  4. Dpositive: Cl²⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻; negative: Ca²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Ca
Correct answer: B

Video Solution

Explanation

Answer: B. Molten calcium chloride contains free \(\text{Ca}^{2+}\) and \(\text{Cl}^{-}\) ions only — no water and no other species are involved.

At the positive electrode (anode), chloride ions are oxidised: \(2\text{Cl}^{-} \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2 + 2\text{e}^{-}\). Two chloride ions combine to release chlorine gas plus two electrons.

At the negative electrode (cathode), calcium ions are reduced: \(\text{Ca}^{2+} + 2\text{e}^{-} \rightarrow \text{Ca}\). Calcium metal forms.

Options A and C use the wrong cation charge (\(\text{Ca}^{+}\) doesn't exist as a stable ion). Options C and D use the impossible \(\text{Cl}^{2-}\) anion — chloride is always 1−.

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