On the basis of the electrochemical series, which of these ions will show the greater tendency to be discharged at the cathode in an electrolytic cell

Answer Details

The electrochemical series is a list of metals and ions arranged in order of their decreasing tendency to lose or gain electrons, and thus, their ability to act as reducing or oxidizing agents. The higher the position of a metal or ion in the electrochemical series, the greater its tendency to lose electrons and undergo oxidation, while the lower its position, the greater its tendency to gain electrons and undergo reduction. In an electrolytic cell, the cathode is the electrode where reduction occurs, meaning that cations (positively charged ions) are attracted and gain electrons to form neutral atoms or molecules. Based on the electrochemical series, the ion with the higher position in the series will have a greater tendency to gain electrons and be discharged at the cathode, while the ion with the lower position will have a lower tendency and may not be discharged at all. Among the given options, the electrochemical series order is: Cu2+ > Sn2+ > Fe2+ > Zn2+ Therefore, Cu2+ has the highest tendency to be discharged at the cathode and undergo reduction, while Zn2+ has the lowest tendency. So, in an electrolytic cell, Cu2+ will be discharged at the cathode, while Zn2+ may not be discharged at all, depending on the conditions of the cell.