During the electrolysis of aqueous lead chloride (PbCl2), the following reactions occur at the cathode (negative electrode) and anode (positive electrode):
At the cathode: Pb2+ ions are reduced and gain electrons to form solid lead (Pb):
Pb2+ + 2e- → Pb
Lead ions (Pb2+) are reduced to lead metal as a result of the electron supply from the cathode.
At the anode: Chloride ions (Cl-) are oxidized and lose electrons to form chlorine gas (Cl2):
2Cl- → Cl2 + 2e-
Chloride ions (Cl-) lose electrons and combine to form chlorine gas at the anode.
Overall, the electrolysis of aqueous lead chloride results in the formation of solid lead at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode.