Question

Give reason for the following:

Potassium is not extracted by electrolysis of its aqueous salt solution.

Answer 1

Electrolysis removes reactive metals from aqueous salt solutions. This is because the aqueous solution will contain both H⁺ and metal ions. When an electric current flows, the H⁺ ion is discharged first, followed by the metal. Thus, the cathode produces hydrogen gas rather than metal, and potassium does not accumulate at the cathode.