Given below are two statements:
1 M aqueous solutions of each of
,
are electrolysed using inert electrodes. Given:
Ag+/Ag
,
and
.
Statement (I): With increasing voltage, the sequence of deposition of metals on the cathode will be
and Cu.
Statement (II): Magnesium will not be deposited at the cathode instead oxygen gas will be evolved at the cathode.
In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:
Text Solution
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Let's analyze the situation step by step.
We have 1 M aqueous solutions of:
with
with
with
with
In an electrolytic cell with inert electrodes, reduction occurs at the cathode. The ion with the highest (most positive) reduction potential will be reduced (or deposited) first. Therefore, as we increase the applied voltage (making the cathode sufficiently negative), the metals will begin to deposit in the order of their reduction potentials.
The order of reduction (deposition) will be:
First, silver 
Next, mercury (+0.79 V)
Then, copper
So, Statement (I) which says "With increasing voltage, the sequence of deposition of metals on the cathode will be
and Cu " is correct.
For magnesium, the reduction potential is very negative ( -2.37 V). In aqueous solution, before reaching such a negative potential, water will be reduced. The cathodic reaction for water typically is:
which leads to the evolution of hydrogen gas, not oxygen. (Oxygen is produced at the anode during the oxidation of water.)
Hence, Statement (II) erroneously states that "oxygen gas will be evolved at the cathode" when in fact, if magnesium were to be reduced (which it won't be), water reduction would yield hydrogen gas. Thus, Statement (II) is incorrect.
Summary:
Statement (I) is correct.
Statement (II) is incorrect.
Therefore, the most appropriate answer is:
Option c: Statement I is correct but Statement II is incorrect.
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