cell A- has platinum electrodes and the electrolysis is dilute Hydrochloric acid. Cell B- Has copper anode and a platinum cathode and the electrolyte is copper (II) nitrate (v) solution. Questions: 1) what are the substances liberated at the cathode and the anode for both cell A and B? 2) what changes would you expect to see on the ammeter when solution in CELL B is replaced by ethanol?

Question

aaronq · Answer

Electrolysis of HCl, creates 2 homonuclear diatomic molecules (gases).

The anode is oxidized (the electrode will degrade), Cu(II) will be released into solution.
At the same time, if the electrolyte solution is in contact with the Pt electrode it will deposit on to it. If it's a hydrogen-Pt electrode (S.H.E.), $H_2$ gas will evolve.

I'm not entirely sure on the set up of cell B, but since ethanol won't conduct current, the ammeter will probably read zero.

anonymous · Answer

Thanks....there's one more thing i forgot to add in the question, what changes would you expect to see on the ammeter if a small quantity of silver nitrate solution is added to the solution in cell A and why?

anonymous · Answer

@aaronq can you help with the one above? thanks!