Electrolysis Trick: Which Metal Gets Deposited First? ⚡️
❓ Question 1 M aqueous solutions of each of C u ( N O 3 ) 2 , A g N O 3 , H g 2 ( N O 3 ) 2 , M g ( N O 3 ) 2 \mathrm{Cu(NO_3)_2},\ \mathrm{AgNO_3},\ \mathrm{Hg_2(NO_3)_2},\ \mathrm{Mg(NO_3)_2} are electrolysed using inert electrodes . Statement (I): With increasing (more negative) cathode potential (i.e. increasing applied voltage), the sequence of deposition of metals on the cathode will be Ag, Hg and Cu . Statement (II): Magnesium will not be deposited at cathode; instead oxygen gas will be evolved at the cathode. Decide which statement(s) are correct and explain. 🖼️ Question Image ✍️ Short Solution Key idea: Which species is reduced at the cathode depends on standard (or actual) reduction potentials. The species with the most positive reduction potential is reduced first (at the least negative cathode potential). As the applied cathode potential is driven more negative, species with lower reduction potentials begin to reduce. 🔹 Standard reduction pot...