Suppose a powerful battery is connected between a pair of inert graphite electrodes dipped into a pot of molten magnesium
chloride (MgCl₂) (see sketch at right).
The battery makes a current of electrons flow in the directions shown by the arrows in the sketch.
.
Note: Group 1A and Group 2A metals all melt at temperatures lower than their salts.
Which electrode is the cathode?
Write a balanced equation for
the half-reaction that takes
place at electrode A.
Write a balanced equation for
the overall reaction.
