Textbook 6L7 (a)

[Shannon Moore 2L]

AgBr --> Ag+ + Br-

Why can Ag+ be isolated from AgBr for the cathode reaction but Br- cannot be for the anode reaction?

[Manseej Khatri 2B]

I think it may be because the AgBr itself does not directly disassociate to form Ag+ and Br- in this redox reaction, as in those ions were added indirectly from 2 different salts. If you look at the half reaction for the anode it says Ag(s) + Br-(aq) forms AgBr(s) which suggests that solid gold in the presence of bromine ions form AgBr and an electron. It is also possible then that there is no Bromine ions in the cathode half reaction, so Ag+ may not really be disassociating from AgBr.

[Shannon Moore 2L]

Got it! Thanks so much :)