Gallium is produced by the electrolysis of a solution containing which of the following compounds?

• A. Ga(NO_3)_3
• B. GaCl_3
• C. Ga_2S_3
• D. Ga_2O_3

Answer: (B)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Understand that electrolysis involves the decomposition of an ionic compound in solution to produce elements at the electrodes.
2. Identify that for electrolysis to occur effectively, the compound must be soluble in water and dissociate into ions that can carry current.
3. Analyze each compound: Ga(NO_3)_3 and GaCl_3 are typically soluble in water, while Ga_2S_3 and Ga_2O_3 are generally insoluble or sparingly soluble.
4. Recognize that GaCl_3 is a soluble salt that dissociates into Ga^{3+} and Cl^{-} ions, making it suitable for electrolysis to produce gallium metal.
5. Conclude that the compound used for producing gallium by electrolysis is GaCl_3 because it provides the necessary ions in solution for the process.