Which of the following ion will move at the anode when molten lead bromide is used as an electrolyte?
Br -
In the electrolysis of molten lead bromide, when the current is turned on, the positive ions (Pb2+) migrate towards the cathode. They take 2 electrons each and become neutral lead atoms. The negative ions (Br−) come in contact with anode, give an electron each and become bromine atoms. These two atoms combine to form bromine molecule (Br2).
Electrode reaction:
At the cathode: Pb2++2e−⇒Pb
At the anode: Br−−e−→Br
Br+Br→Br2
The overall reaction: PbBr2(I)→Pb(s)+Br2(g)