electrolysis

[752779]

Hi guys, I don't know what is the reactant that produces H2 gas. It's it because in cathode, electrons are flowing in, and Hydrogen atoms are floating around in aqueous solution pick up electrons? We are supposed to assumed aqueous solution is H20 + hydrogen atoms floating around?

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[aldol16]

Hydrogen atoms don't exist in solution. Hydrogen atoms don't exist anywhere, actually, because they are so reactive. Just like how sodium doesn't exist in atomic form. Protons do exist in solution though (1X10^-7 M of them in neutral solution) and they are what's getting reduced at the cathode to produce hydrogen gas.

 

[752779]

Hydrogen atoms don't exist in solution. Hydrogen atoms don't exist anywhere, actually, because they are so reactive. Just like how sodium doesn't exist in atomic form. Protons do exist in solution though (1X10^-7 M of them in neutral solution) and they are what's getting reduced at the cathode to produce hydrogen gas.

Thanks, that means 2 protons pick up 2 electron at the cathode and become hydrogen gas?

 

[aldol16]

Thanks, that means 2 protons pick up 2 electron at the cathode and become hydrogen gas?

Yes.