Classification of Reactive Electrodes
- Electrodes made up of any metal more reactive than platinum . Reactivity Series Main Note
Note
- Concept of selective discharge of cations still applies → as cations are reduced at the cathode.
- Concept of selective discharge of anions DOES NOT APPLY as anode → which is reactive electrode → will undergo oxidation instead of anions
Example
Electrolysis of Aqueous Copper(II)Nitrate using Reactive Electrodes
Note
- anions are usually not discharged → as the reactive electrode is more readily oxidized compared to the anions
- The cathode reaction is not affected by whether the electrodes are inert or reactive.
Sample
the copper anode ionises → Cu(s) → Cu2+ + 2e-. this replaces the number of Cu2+ ions discharged at the cathode. The Cu2+ ions that get discharged at the cathode come mainly from the copper anode.