Aqueous solution of Na2SO4 containing a small amount of Phenolphthalei...
Remains colourless since solution is acidic and Phenolphthalein shows pink colour only in basic medium.
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Aqueous solution of Na2SO4 containing a small amount of Phenolphthalei...
Electrolysis of Na2SO4 solution with Phenolphthalein
Introduction:
Electrolysis is a process in which an electric current is passed through an electrolyte, causing a chemical reaction. In this case, we are electrolyzing an aqueous solution of Na2SO4 (sodium sulfate) containing a small amount of Phenolphthalein indicator using platinum (Pt) electrodes.
Phenolphthalein indicator:
Phenolphthalein is a pH indicator that is commonly used in acid-base titrations. It is colorless in acidic solutions and turns pink or magenta in basic solutions. It is often used to detect the endpoint of titrations by observing the color change.
Electrolysis process:
During electrolysis, the positive electrode (anode) attracts negatively charged ions (anions) and the negative electrode (cathode) attracts positively charged ions (cations). The ions migrate towards the respective electrodes and undergo chemical reactions.
Electrolysis of Na2SO4:
At the anode (positive electrode), the following reaction occurs:
2H2O(l) → O2(g) + 4H+(aq) + 4e-
At the cathode (negative electrode), the following reaction occurs:
2H+(aq) + 2e- → H2(g)
Overall, the electrolysis of water produces oxygen gas at the anode and hydrogen gas at the cathode. However, in the presence of sodium sulfate (Na2SO4), the sulfate ions (SO4^2-) also participate in the reaction.
Color change explanation:
Initially, the Phenolphthalein indicator is colorless in the acidic solution. As the electrolysis proceeds, hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode, making the solution more acidic. This acidic environment prevents the Phenolphthalein indicator from turning pink.
The sulfate ions (SO4^2-) are not involved in the electrolysis reaction and do not affect the color of the solution. Therefore, the solution remains colorless throughout the electrolysis process.
Conclusion:
The correct answer is option 'A' - the solution will remain colorless after electrolysis. This is because the presence of Phenolphthalein in the solution does not cause a color change due to the acidic environment created during the electrolysis process.
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