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.