Question

Why electrolysis of molten lead bromide is a redox reaction?

Answer 1

Redox reaction:- In this reaction reduction as well as oxidation reactions takes place simultaneously.

Electrolysis:- In this process electric current is passed through the substance to react it chemically. In electrolysis electrolytes get converted into ions.

Electrolysis of molten lead bromide is as follows:-

Electrolysis of molten lead bromide:-

${\mathrm{PbBr}}_2\to {\mathrm{Pb}}^{2+}+2{\mathrm{Br}}^{-}$

At Cathode:-

${\mathrm{Pb}}^{+2}+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to \mathrm{Pb}$

At Anode:-

$$\begin{gathered} 2{\mathrm{Br}}^{-}-2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}\to 2\left(\mathrm{Br}\right) \\ 2\left(\mathrm{Br}\right)\to {\mathrm{Br}}_2 \end{gathered}$$

Here, reduction takes place at cathode and oxidation takes place at anode.

Therefore, electrolysis of molten lead bromide is a redox reaction as both reduction and oxidation takes place simultaneously.