An industrial chemist is studying the electrolytic recovery of nickel from an aqueous solution of nickel(II) chloride (NiCl2\text{NiCl}_2NiCl2) using inert graphite electrodes.
Explain why solid nickel(II) chloride is an electrical insulator and cannot undergo electrolysis, whereas aqueous nickel(II) chloride conducts electricity and reacts at the electrodes.
Explain why graphite is a suitable material for the electrodes because it conducts electricity. Answer in terms of the structure and bonding in graphite.
During the electrolysis of the nickel(II) chloride solution, chlorine gas is evolved at the positive electrode (anode). The chemist collects 40.8 cm340.8\text{ cm}^340.8 cm3 of chlorine gas. Calculate the amount, in moles, of chlorine gas collected. The molar volume of any gas at room temperature and pressure is 24.0 dm3 mol−124.0\text{ dm}^3\text{ mol}^{-1}24.0 dm3 mol−1. Give your answer in standard form.