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Ch.19 - Electrochemistry
Chapter 19, Problem 94

What products are obtained in the electrolysis of a molten mixture of KI and KBr?

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is a chemical process that uses electrical energy to drive a non-spontaneous reaction. In this process, an electric current is passed through an electrolyte, causing the decomposition of the compound into its constituent elements or ions. The products formed depend on the nature of the electrolyte and the electrodes used.
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Ionic Compounds

Ionic compounds, such as potassium iodide (KI) and potassium bromide (KBr), consist of positively and negatively charged ions held together by ionic bonds. When molten, these compounds dissociate into their respective ions, allowing them to conduct electricity. The behavior of these ions during electrolysis is crucial for predicting the products formed.
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Electrode Reactions

During electrolysis, reactions occur at the electrodes: oxidation at the anode and reduction at the cathode. For a molten mixture of KI and KBr, potassium ions (K+) migrate to the cathode to gain electrons, while bromide (Br-) and iodide (I-) ions migrate to the anode to lose electrons. The specific products formed depend on the relative reactivity of the ions involved.
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