Textbook 6M.5

[Brian Nguyen 2I]

For part A of 6M.5, we are asked to write a cell diagram for the following reaction:
2 NO3-(aq) + 8 H+(aq) + 6 Hg(l) -> 3 Hg2 (2+) (aq) + 2NO (g) + 4H2O (l)

Why is that in the answer key, we put platinum at the end of the right side of the cell diagram but not on the left side?

[Racquel Fox 2I]

You put platinum on the side when the reaction doesn't contain a solid

[Brian Nguyen 2I]

You put platinum on the side when the reaction doesn't contain a solid

This makes sense, as there are no solids on the cathode right side of the diagram, but I was confused because on the anode left side of the diagram, there isn't a solid either. There's Hg in liquid form and Hg2 2+ in aqueous form.

[abby hyman]

I would also like to know the answer to this question as I am confused why we do not need it on the left side too since there is not a solid

[Tiao Tan 3C]

I am also confused by why there isn't a solid. Also for question 6L.5, why does the solution add Pt(s) when there is already I2(s) in the half reaction?

[Tiao Tan 3C]

For part A of 6M.5, we are asked to write a cell diagram for the following reaction:
2 NO3-(aq) + 8 H+(aq) + 6 Hg(l) -> 3 Hg2 (2+) (aq) + 2NO (g) + 4H2O (l)

Why is that in the answer key, we put platinum at the end of the right side of the cell diagram but not on the left side?

I now understand this! Even though Hg is a liquid, it is considered a metal conductor because it can coduct electricity as a liquid.