Why are highly electropositive s-block elements (like Na, K, Mg, Ca) and Aluminium extracted exclusi — Metallurgy and Isolation of Elements Chemistry Question
Question
Why are highly electropositive s-block elements (like Na, K, Mg, Ca) and Aluminium extracted exclusively via the electrolysis of their fused (molten) salts rather than their aqueous solutions?
Answer: B
💡 Solution & Explanation
Highly reactive metals sit above Hydrogen in the electrochemical series. If an aqueous solution is electrolyzed, the water molecules (or $H^+$ ions) are preferentially reduced at the cathode to form Hydrogen gas, leaving the metal ions in solution. Hence, anhydrous fused melts must be used.
💬Ask on WhatsApp →
Still have doubts about this question?
Send it to our AI chemistry tutor on WhatsApp — gets answered in minutes