Question

Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following.

An aqueous solution $AgN{O}_3$ with platinum electrodes.

Answer 1

The oxidation of $Pt$ is not possible. Water is oxidized at the anode which liberates oxygen. Silver ions are reduced at cathode and are deposited.

The reaction in solution;

$AgN{O}_3\to A{g}^{+}+N{O}_3^{-}$

$H_{2}O\to H^{+}+O{H}^{-}$

Reaction at cathode;

$A{g}^{+}+e^{-}\to Ag$

Reaction at anode;

Due to platinum electrode, self ionization of water will take place.

$H_{2}O\to 2H^{+}+\frac{1}{2}{O}_2+2e^{-}$

Hence, silver will deposit at cathode and oxygen gas will generate at the anode.