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Electrolysis of AgNO3

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Mr. Raru:
In the electrolysis of AgNO3 with inert electrodes, why is the silver ion reduced rather than the nitrate ion when the nitrate has a higher standard electrode potential?

Bakegaku:
A substance is reduced when electrons (or just one) are added to it.  Which ion can accept electrons?

Mr. Raru:

--- Quote from: bakegaku on April 23, 2006, 01:13:11 PM ---A substance is reduced when electrons (or just one) are added to it.  Which ion can accept electrons?

--- End quote ---

Yes, I know this but:
NO3-(aq) + 4H+(aq) + 3e- -> NO(g) + 2H2O(l)   0.96
Ag+(aq) + e- -> Ag(s) 0.80

Ah, but I think I answered my own question. I am not in acidic solution, correct? so the reduction of nitrate is not possible. And Ag+ is more readily reduced than H2O to H2.
2H2O(l) + 2e- -> H2(g) + 2OH-(aq) -0.83

AWK:
During electrolysis you have anions close to anode and cations close to cathode. During electrolysis of AgNO3 you should add some acid (HNO3) to prevent precipitation of Ag2O.

xiankai:
just wondering, how does the Ag2O form? isnt Ag supposed to be a non-reactive metal?

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