Predict the products of electrolysis in each of the following: An aqueous solution of `AgNO_3` with silver electrodes.

Explanation

(a) (i) Electrolysis of aqueous solution of `AgNO_(3)` with silver electrodes.
Silver nitrate ionises in water as follows:
`AgNO_(3)(aq)hArrAg^(+)(aq)+NO_(3)^(-)(aq)`
At cahotde: following two reaction are possible at cathode.
`Ag^(+)(aq)+e^(-) to Ag(s),E_(Ag^(+)//Ag)^(@)=0.80V`
`2H_(2)O(l)+2e^(-) to H_(2)(g)+2OH^(-)(aq),E_(H_(2)O //H_(2))^(@)=-0.83V`
higher the reduction potential, easier to reduce. thus `Ag^(+)` ions will be recuced to Ag in preference to reduction of `H_(2)O` to `H_(2)`.
At anode: As the electrodes are attackable silver at anode will dissolve to form `Ag^(+)` ions.
`Ag(s)toAg^(+)(aq)+e^(-)`.