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Electrolysis Of Potash
Can i Get elemental potassium(metal) by conducting electrolysis on molten potash?
Answers
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Yes but there are one or two practical problems. If you're using a dc supply then molten potassium metal will be liberated at the negative terminal (cathode) as the positive potassium ions each pick up an electron. If conducted in air, the molten potassium will rapidly oxidise by catching fire. You'll need an inert atmosphere, such as argon, above the molten...
13:33 Fri 18th Jan 2013
Yes but there are one or two practical problems. If you're using a dc supply then molten potassium metal will be liberated at the negative terminal (cathode) as the positive potassium ions each pick up an electron.
If conducted in air, the molten potassium will rapidly oxidise by catching fire. You'll need an inert atmosphere, such as argon, above the molten electrolyte. Cans of argon gas are available fron Halfords.
If conducted in air, the molten potassium will rapidly oxidise by catching fire. You'll need an inert atmosphere, such as argon, above the molten electrolyte. Cans of argon gas are available fron Halfords.
Aaron, from your name can I guess that you are 14 years old ? If you carry out this experiment be very careful. In particular wear eye protection and gloves. Molten electrolytes of this sort are very corrosive. If you do manage to produce some solid potassium metal I assume you would want to drop it into some water. Exercise extreme caution !!
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