Question

Identify the ions in a mixture containing \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}, \mathrm{N}^{3-}, \mathrm{O}^{2-}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Al}^{3+}\), \(\mathrm{Te}^{3-}\), and \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\)that would be attracted to the positive end of an electric field.

Short answer

The ions attracted to the positive end of an electric field are \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\), \(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\), \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\), and \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\).

Step-by-step solution

Understand the Concept of Ions in an Electric Field

Ions are atoms or molecules with a net electric charge due to the loss or gain of one or more electrons. In an electric field, positively charged ions (cations) are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode), while negatively charged ions (anions) are attracted to the positive electrode (anode).

Identify the Positively Charged Ions (Cations)

Examine the charge of each ion in the mixture. Ions with a positive charge (cations) will be attracted to the positive end of an electric field. In this mixture, the cations are \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\), \(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\), \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\), and \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\).

List the Ions Attracted to the Positive End

The ions that will be attracted to the positive end of an electric field are the positively charged ions, which are \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\), \(\mathrm{Ca}^{2+}\), \(\mathrm{Al}^{3+}\), and \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\).

Key concepts

Electrochemistry

Electrochemistry is an essential branch of chemistry concerned with the study of the relationship between electrical energy and chemical changes. One of the most fascinating phenomena in electrochemistry is the behavior of ions under the influence of an electric field. An ion is an atom or molecule that has lost or gained electrons, resulting in a positive or negative charge.

When ions are subjected to an electric field, they move according to their charge. Positively charged ions, known as cations, are attracted towards the cathode (negative end), whereas the anions, with a negative charge, move towards the anode (positive end). This movement of ions is frequently harnessed in various electrochemical processes, such as electrolysis, batteries, and sensors, to drive reactions or produce electricity.

The exercise provided demonstrates the application of this principle by identifying which ions would be attracted to the positive end of an electric field from a given mixture. This understanding is critical for processes such as electroplating, where specific ions are deposited onto a substrate, or in separation techniques, where components of a mixture are isolated based on their electrical charge.

Cation and Anion Identification

Distinguishing between cations and anions is a fundamental skill in chemistry, particularly in the context of electrochemistry. Cations are ions with a net positive charge due to the loss of electrons, while anions are ions with a net negative charge, resulting from the gain of electrons.

To identify cations and anions in a mixture, one should look at their chemical symbols and the number followed by a plus (for cations) or minus (for anions) sign. For example, in the mixture \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}, \mathrm{N}^{3-},\mathrm{O}^{2-}, \mathrm{Ca}^{2+}, \mathrm{Al}^{3+}, \mathrm{Te}^{3-}\), and \(\mathrm{H}^{+}\), the cations are those ions with the plus sign (like \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\)), and the anions are those with the minus sign (like \(\mathrm{N}^{3-}\)).

In practical applications, this sorting is essential for predicting reactions and understanding the behavior of ions in various conditions, such as the movement towards electrodes in an electric field. The ability to quickly and accurately identify these charges is a crucial step in problem-solving within electrochemical experiments and industrial processes.

Electric Charge of Ions

The electric charge of ions is a key concept in chemistry and physics. It dictates not only the ion's reactivity but also its behavior in an electrical field. The electric charge is quantized and typically measured in elementary charge units (the charge of a single proton), symbolized by \(e\).

Cations carry a positive charge, indicated by a plus sign, which means they have fewer electrons than protons. On the other hand, anions have a negative charge, as indicated by a minus sign, meaning they have an excess of electrons compared to protons. The number preceding the charge sign indicates how many elementary charges the ion carries. For example, \(\mathrm{Cu}^{2+}\) has two more protons than electrons, while \(\mathrm{O}^{2-}\) has two more electrons than protons.

Understanding the concept of electric charge is important when exploring electrostatic forces, ionization energy, and redox reactions. In an electric field, the force acting on an ion is directly proportional to its charge, meaning that ions with higher charges will be more strongly attracted or repelled by the electrodes. In our exercise, knowing the charges allowed us to determine which ions would migrate towards the positive electrode in the field—fundamental knowledge for any student delving into electrochemistry.