Predict the products of electrolysis in | Class 11 Chemistry Chapter Redox Reactions, Redox Reactions NCERT Solutions

Current NCERT chapter

Academic session 2026-27, Chapter 7 in the current curriculum.

Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter Redox Reactions. This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Exercise 1, Question 27:

Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following:

(i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes

(ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes

(iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes

(iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes.

. With detailed answers and explanations for each chapter, students can strengthen their understanding and prepare confidently for exams. Ideal for CBSE and other board students, this resource will simplify your study experience.

Question 27:

Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following:

(i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 with silver electrodes

(ii) An aqueous solution AgNO3 with platinum electrodes

(iii) A dilute solution of H2SO4 with platinum electrodes

(iv) An aqueous solution of CuCl2 with platinum electrodes.

Answer:

(i) AgNO3 ionizes in aqueous solutions to form Ag+ and NO-3 ions.

On electrolysis, either Ag+ ions or H2O molecules can be reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of Ag+ ions is higher than that of H2O.

Ag+(aq)  +  e-  →  Ag(s)  ;  E° = +0.80V

2H2O(l)  +  2e- →  H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)  ; E° = -0.83V

Hence, Ag+ ions are reduced at the cathode. Similarly, Ag metal or H2O molecules can be oxidized at the anode. But the oxidation potential of Ag is higher than that of H2O molecules.

Ag(s) →  Ag+(aq)  +  e-  ;   E° = -0.80V

2H2O(l)  →  O2(g) + 4 H+(aq) + 4e-   ; E° = -1.23V

Therefore, Ag metal gets oxidized at the anode.

 

(ii) Pt cannot be oxidized easily. Hence, at the anode, oxidation of water occurs to liberate O2. At the cathode, Ag+ ions are reduced and get deposited.

 

(iii) H2SO4 ionizes in aqueous solutions to give H+ and SO2-4 ions.

H2SO4(aq)  →  2H+(aq) + SO2-4(aq)

On electrolysis, either of H+ ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of H+ ions is higher than that of H2O molecules.

2H+(aq) + 2e- →  H2(g) ; E° = 0.0V

2H2O(aq) + 2e- →  H2g + 2OH-(aq)  ; E° = -0.83V

Hence, at the cathode, H+ ions are reduced to liberate H2 gas.

On the other hand, at the anode, either of SO2-4 ions or H2O molecules can get oxidized. But the oxidation of SO2-4 involves breaking of more bonds than that of H2O molecules.Hence, ions have a lower oxidation potential than H2O. Thus, H2O is oxidized at the anode to liberate O2 molecules.

 

(iv) In aqueous solutions, CuCl2 ionizes to give Cu2+ and Cl- ions as:

CuCl2(aq)  →  Cu2+(aq) + 2Cl-(aq)

On electrolysis, either of Cu2+ ions or H2O molecules can get reduced at the cathode. But the reduction potential of Cu2+ is more than that of H2O molecules.

Cu2+(aq) + 2e-  →  Cu(aq)  ;  E° = +0.34V

H2O(l)  + 2e-  →  H2(g) + 2OH-  ;  E° = -0.83V

Hence, Cu2+ ions are reduced at the cathode and get deposited.

Similarly, at the anode, either of Cl- or H2O is oxidized. The oxidation potential of H2O is higher than that of Cl-.

2Cl-(aq) →  Cl2(g)  + 2e-  ;  E° = -1.36V

2H2O(l)  →  O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-   ;  E° =  -1.23V

But oxidation of H2O molecules occurs at a lower electrode potential than that of Cl- ions because of over-voltage (extra voltage required to liberate gas). As a result, Cl- ions are oxidized at the anode to liberate Cl2 gas.


Study Tips for Answering NCERT Questions:

NCERT questions are designed to test your understanding of the concepts and theories discussed in the chapter. Here are some tips to help you answer NCERT questions effectively:

  • Read the question carefully and focus on the core concept being asked.
  • Reference examples and data from the chapter when answering questions about Redox Reactions.
  • Review previous year question papers to get an idea of how such questions may be framed in exams.
  • Practice answering questions within the time limit to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Discuss your answers with your teachers or peers to get feedback and improve your understanding.

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Welcome to the NCERT Solutions for Class 11 Chemistry - Chapter . This page offers a step-by-step solution to the specific question from Excercise 1 , Question 27: Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: (i) An aqueous solution of AgNO3 w....

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