Answer:
D. Ni²⁺
Explanation:
We know at once that the answer cannot be A or C, because Ni and Cu are already in their lowest oxidation states.
The correct answer must be either B or D.
An electrolytic cell is the opposite of a galvanic cell. In the former, the reaction proceeds spontaneously. In the latter, you must force the reaction to occur.
One strategy to solve this problem is:
- Look up the standard reduction potentials for the half reaction·
- Figure out the spontaneous direction.
- Write the equation in the reverse direction.
1. Standard reduction potentials
E°/V
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⟶ Cu; 0.3419
Ni²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⟶ Ni; -0.257
2. Galvanic Cell
We reverse the direction of the more negative half cell and add.
E°/V
Ni ⟶ Ni²⁺ + 2e⁻; 0.257
Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⟶ Cu; 0.3419
Ni + Cu²⁺ ⟶ Cu + Ni²⁺; 0.599
This is the spontaneous direction.
Cu²⁺ is reduced to Cu.
3. Electrochemical cell
E°/V
Ni²⁺ + 2e⁻ ⟶ Ni; -0.257
Cu ⟶ Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻; -0.3419
Cu + Ni²⁺ ⟶ Ni + Cu²⁺; -0.599
This is the non-spontaneous direction.
Ni²⁺ is reduced to Ni in the electrolytic cell.
