Electrolyte Reaction at the Cathode: Na+, Cl-, O2 + H2O --> NaClO2 + H2O

In summary, a cathode is an electrode where reduction reactions occur in an electrochemical cell. It acts as a source of electrons, attracting positively charged ions and facilitating their reduction. The most common reactions at the cathode include the reduction of metal, hydrogen, and non-metal ions. The main difference between a cathode and an anode is that the former is where reduction reactions occur, while the latter is where oxidation reactions occur. The cathode plays a crucial role in balancing the charge and determining the direction and type of products in the overall chemical reaction.
  • #1
dumbadum
23
0
The question asks to write the chemical equation representing the cathode.
The electrolyte at the cathode is Na+, Cl-, O2 and H2O

What I would do is:
Na+ + Cl- + O2 + H2O --> NaClO2 + H2O
But that's obviously wrong. Please show me how to go about it.
Thanks!
 
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  • #2
it's relevant to standard denotations of the electrolytic cell, all of this should be explained very well in your text, so there's no point for any of us to reiterate everything to you here.
 
  • #3
What process happens at the cathode - i.e. oxidation or reduction?
 

1. What is a cathode in a chemical reaction?

The cathode is an electrode in an electrochemical cell where reduction reactions take place. It is the site where electrons are gained, resulting in the reduction of a substance.

2. How does a cathode contribute to a chemical reaction?

A cathode acts as a source of electrons, which are necessary for reduction reactions to occur. It attracts positively charged ions and facilitates the transfer of electrons to them, resulting in the reduction of the ions.

3. What types of reactions can occur at the cathode?

Reduction reactions are the most common type of reactions that occur at the cathode. These include the reduction of metal ions, hydrogen ions, and non-metal ions in various chemical processes.

4. What is the difference between a cathode and an anode?

The cathode is the electrode where reduction reactions occur, while the anode is the electrode where oxidation reactions occur. Reduction and oxidation reactions are complementary processes that happen simultaneously in a chemical reaction.

5. How does the cathode affect the overall chemical reaction?

The cathode plays a crucial role in balancing the charge of the electrochemical cell and ensuring that the reaction proceeds smoothly. It also determines the direction of electron flow and the types of products that will be formed in the reaction.

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