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6 (a) Molten Zinc Chloride Is an Electrolyte. (i) Which Row Shows the Products Formed at the Anode and at the Cathode When Molten Zinc

Question

6 (a) Molten zinc chloride is an electrolyte. (i) Which row shows the products formed at the anode and at the cathode when molten zinc chloride is electrolysed? & product at anode & product at cathode A & oxygen & zinc B & chlorine & hydrogen C & chlorine & zinc D & oxygen & hydrogen (ii) Which of the following is the reason why molten zinc chloride is an electrolyte? A it contains molecules that can move B it has a giant structure C it contains delocalised electrons D it contains ions that can move

Answer

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Answer

(i) The correct row is C: the product at the anode is chlorine and the product at the cathode is zinc.(ii) The reason why molten zinc chloride is an electrolyte is D: it contains ions that can move.

Explanation

## Step 1: Understanding the Electrolysis ProcessElectrolysis is a process where an ionic compound, in a molten state or in a solution, is broken down into simpler substances using electricity. During electrolysis, the compound's ions are free to move towards the electrodes. The positive ions (cations) move towards the cathode (negative electrode) and the negative ions (anions) move towards the anode (positive electrode).## Step 2: Identifying the Products of ElectrolysisIn the electrolysis of molten zinc chloride (ZnCl2), zinc ions (Zn2+) and chloride ions (Cl-) are present. At the cathode, zinc ions gain electrons (reduction process) to form zinc atoms. At the anode, chloride ions lose electrons (oxidation process) to form chlorine gas. The reactions can be represented as follows:### (at the cathode)### (at the anode)## Step 3: Identifying the Correct RowBased on the above reactions, the product at the cathode is zinc and the product at the anode is chlorine. Therefore, the correct row is C.## Step 4: Understanding Why Molten Zinc Chloride is an ElectrolyteAn electrolyte is a substance that produces an electrically conducting solution when dissolved in a polar solvent, such as water. This is due to the presence of ions that are free to move, allowing the electrolyte to conduct electricity. Therefore, the reason why molten zinc chloride is an electrolyte is because it contains ions that can move.