In the electrolysis of AgF(aq), what is produced at each electrode?

• A. Silver ions are produced at the cathode, and fluoride ions are produced at the anode.
• B. Silver metal is produced at the anode, and fluorine gas is produced at the cathode.
• C. Silver metal is produced at the cathode, and fluorine gas is produced at the anode.
• D. Hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode, and oxygen gas is produced at the anode.

Answer: (C)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the species present in the aqueous solution of AgF. Since AgF dissociates completely, the main ions are Ag\textsuperscript{+}, F\textsuperscript{-}, H\textsubscript{2}O, and possibly H\textsuperscript{+} and OH\textsuperscript{-} from water.
2. Determine the possible reduction reactions at the cathode (where reduction occurs). The candidates are the reduction of Ag\textsuperscript{+} to Ag(s) and the reduction of H\textsuperscript{+} (from water) to H\textsubscript{2}(g). Compare their standard reduction potentials to see which is more favorable.
3. Determine the possible oxidation reactions at the anode (where oxidation occurs). The candidates are the oxidation of F\textsuperscript{-} to F\textsubscript{2}(g) and the oxidation of water to O\textsubscript{2}(g). Compare their standard oxidation potentials to identify the preferred reaction.
4. Based on the standard electrode potentials, conclude that silver ions (Ag\textsuperscript{+}) are reduced to silver metal (Ag) at the cathode, and fluoride ions (F\textsuperscript{-}) are oxidized to fluorine gas (F\textsubscript{2}) at the anode.
5. Summarize the products at each electrode: silver metal forms at the cathode, and fluorine gas forms at the anode during the electrolysis of aqueous AgF.