Chapter U1.19, Problem 4E

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Two similarities and two dissimilarities must be given for Cl atom and Cl - ion.

Concept introduction:

Chlorine is an element from group 17 (halogen family) with 17 electrons.

Ions generated from a neutral atom differ by the charge.

Answer to Problem 4E

Both Cl and Cl - have 17 protons and 18 neutrons.

Cl has 17 electrons but Cl - has 18 electrons.

Cl will not be attracted to any electrode due to absence of charge unlike Cl - which will be attracted towards a positive electrode in the electrolysis process.

Explanation of Solution

An ion from a neutral atom can be generated either by adding or removing electrons. Cl is neutral as the number of electrons (17) is same as that of the protons (17). Since, the chargeis neutral it will not be influenced by any electric field i.e., it will not be attracted to any of the electrode (positive or negative). The Cl-ion is generated by accepting one electron. Thus total electrons are 18 but total protons are still 17. So it is no more neutral and hence it is expected to be attracted towards positive electrode in the electrolysis process.