To solve this problem, we make use of the Faraday’s law
for Electrolysis. The formula is given as:
I t = m F / e
where the variables are,
I = current = 24.4 A
t = time = 46 min = 2760 s
m = mass produced = (unknown)
F = Faraday’s constant = 96500 C/equivalent
e = gram equivalent weight of gold
The gram equivalent weight is calculated by dividing the
molar mass with the amount of charge produced per atom. Gold has charge of 3+
therefore the gram equivalent weight is:
e = (196.97 g/mol)(1 mol/3 equivalents) = 65.66
g/equivalents
Solving for the mass m:
m = e I t / F
m = (65.66 g) (24.4 A) (2760 s) / (96500 C)
m = 45.82 g
