Question Details

An aqueous solution of hydrazine ( N 2 H 4 ) is electrochemically oxidized by O 2 , thereby releasing

chemical energy in the form of electrical energy. One of the products generated from the electrochemical

reaction is  N 2 ( g ) .

Options

A

OH  ions react with  N 2 H 4  at the anode to form  N 2 ( g ) and water, releasing 4 electrons to the anode.

B

At the cathode,  N 2 H 4  breaks to N 2 ( g ) and nascent hydrogen released at the electrode reacts with

oxygen to form water.

C

At the cathode, molecular oxygen gets converted to  OH .

D

Oxides of nitrogen are major by-products of the electrochemical process.

Show Answer

Correct Answer :

Option C

At the cathode, molecular oxygen gets converted to  OH .

Option D

Oxides of nitrogen are major by-products of the electrochemical process.

Option A

OH  ions react with  N 2 H 4  at the anode to form  N 2 ( g ) and water, releasing 4 electrons to the anode.

Solution :

Correct Answer:
The correct statements describing the electrochemical process are:
1. OH ions react with N2H4 at the anode to form N2(g) and water, releasing 4 electrons to the anode.
2. At the cathode, molecular oxygen gets converted to OH.
3. Oxides of nitrogen are major by-products of the electrochemical process.

Step-by-Step Explanation:

1. Understanding the Hydrazine-Oxygen Cell Process:
In a hydrazine-oxygen fuel cell, an aqueous solution of hydrazine (N2H4) acts as the fuel at the anode (where oxidation occurs), and molecular oxygen (O2) acts as the oxidant at the cathode (where reduction occurs) in an alkaline medium.

2. Anode Reaction (Oxidation Half-Cell):
At the anode, hydrazine reacts with hydroxide ions (OH) present in the aqueous alkaline electrolyte. Hydrazine is oxidized to nitrogen gas (N2) and water, releasing 4 electrons to the electrode.

The balanced oxidation half-reaction at the anode is:

N2H4(aq)+4OH(aq)N2(g)+4H2O(l)+4e

This confirms that hydroxide ions react with hydrazine at the anode to produce nitrogen gas and water while releasing 4 electrons.

3. Cathode Reaction (Reduction Half-Cell):
At the cathode, oxygen gas accepts the electrons coming from the anode through an external circuit and combines with water molecules to form hydroxide ions (OH).

The balanced reduction half-reaction at the cathode is:

O2(g)+2H2O(l)+4e4OH(aq)

This confirms that molecular oxygen gets converted to OH at the cathode.

4. Overall Cell Reaction:
Combining both half-reactions gives the overall cell reaction:

N2H4(aq)+O2(g)N2(g)+2H2O(l)

Thus, the reaction generates harmless nitrogen gas and water as products.

Unlock Our Free Library

Access expert-curated educational resources and study materials—completely free.

Ask AI Tutor
5 left
Q1 View Question & Options
AI Tutor is solving this question...
Reading question context & options...