Name: Applications of Electrochemical Series
Uploaded: 2019-07-19
Duration: 29 min 46 s
Description: Electrochemical series helps not only to predict the feasibility of redox reactions, but has other applications too. Find out more applications of the series...

Question

How is it possible to preferentially deposit metals electrolytically, like

Cu, Ni

and

Zn

from a solution containing all three?

Accepted Answer

$The metal cations will be reduced by applying electricity depending on the values of their standard reduction potentials (SRP). The metal cation with the least negative or highest postive value of SRP will be reduced first at the cathode.$

$The SRP for various half reactions are given below: {Cu}^{2 +} (aq) + 2 e^{-} \to Cu (s) E^{0} = 0.34 V {Ni}^{2 +} (aq) + 2 e^{-} \to Ni (s) E^{0} = - 0.26 V {Zn}^{2 +} (aq) + 2 e^{-} \to Zs (s) E^{o} = - 0.76 V The metals can be produced at the respective electrodes when the electricicty is supplied depending on there values of standard reduction potentials. Cu can easily be deposited at the cathode. When the voltage supply is regulated in the given sequence: 1 . E < 0.26 V \to Copper will be produced at the cathode. Thus, the supply should be continued until all the copper gets deposited at the cathode. 2 . 0.26 V < E < 0.76 V \to Nickel will be produced at the cathode. The supply should be continued until all the nickel is produced at the cathode 3 . E > 0.76 V \to Zn will be produced at the cathode and the 3 metals can be seperated.$

J. D. Lee Solutions for Chapter: General Properties of the Elements, Exercise 1: Exercise 1

J. D. Lee Chemistry Solutions for Exercise - J. D. Lee Solutions for Chapter: General Properties of the Elements, Exercise 1: Exercise 1

Questions from J. D. Lee Solutions for Chapter: General Properties of the Elements, Exercise 1: Exercise 1 with Hints & Solutions

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