Question

The electrolysis of molten calcium chloride produces calcium and chlorine_ Write a) the half-reaction that occurs at the anode b) the half-reaction that occurs at the cathode c) the complete balanced equation for the overall cell reaction.

Answer 1

During the electrolysis of molten calcium chloride, the anode half-reaction is the oxidation of chloride ions to chlorine gas, and the cathode half-reaction is the reduction of calcium ions to liquid calcium. The anode is the positive electrode, and the cathode is the negative electrode. The overall balanced equation is CaCl2(l) → Ca(l) + Cl2(g).

Step-by-step explanation:

Electrolysis of Molten Calcium Chloride

The process of electrolysis involves using electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous reaction. When molten calcium chloride undergoes electrolysis, calcium and chlorine are produced at the cathode and anode respectively.

a) Half-Reaction at the Anode

At the anode, which is the positive electrode, oxidation occurs. The half-reaction is:

2Cl- - 2e- → Cl2(g)

b) Half-Reaction at the Cathode

At the cathode, which is the negative electrode, reduction occurs. The half-reaction is:

Ca2+ + 2e- → Ca(l)

c) Complete Balanced Equation

Combining the half-reactions at the cathode and anode, we get the complete balanced equation for the overall reaction:

CaCl2(l) → Ca(l) + Cl2(g)