Answer to Question #214143 in Physical Chemistry for Trenessa

Question

When Pt electrodes are used in the electrolysis of KI(aq), a number of reactions are possible at the electrodes. 

Using a standard reduction potentials table (given in Lecture 22), predict which reaction is most likely to occur at the anode. 

Answer 1

At anode the oxidation of the species takes place on providing the potential.

When Pt electrode is used the the drop in potential is less and species oxidise easily. Therefore the anions that will oxidise firstly is

$2I^-\to I_2 + 2e^-$