Electrolysis of molten \(NaCl\) gives: |
\(H_2\) at cathode, \(Cl_2\) at anode and \(NaOH\) solution \(Na\) at cathode, \(Cl_2\) at anode and \(NaOH\) solution \(H_2\) at anode, \(Cl_2\) at cathode \(Na\) at cathode and \(Cl_2\) at anode |
\(Na\) at cathode and \(Cl_2\) at anode |
The correct answer is option 4. \(Na\) at cathode and \(Cl_2\) at anode. The electrolysis of molten NaCl can be represented through the following chemical equations using LaTeX coding: At the Cathode (Reduction): The reduction half-reaction at the cathode involves the conversion of sodium ions (Na⁺) into sodium metal (Na) by gaining electrons: \(\text{Cathode: } \quad 2\text{Na}^+ + 2\text{e}^- \rightarrow 2\text{Na}\) At the Anode (Oxidation): \(\text{Anode: } \quad 2\text{Cl}^- \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2 + 2\text{e}^-\) Overall Reaction: The overall reaction for the electrolysis of molten NaCl can be represented as the combination of these two half-reactions: \(2\text{Na}^+ + 2\text{Cl}^- \rightarrow 2\text{Na} + \text{Cl}_2\) However, it's important to note that in practice, the presence of water (H₂O) can lead to the production of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) and hydrogen gas (H₂) instead of the overall reaction you've mentioned. This is because water can be electrolyzed before it reacts with NaCl, leading to a different set of reactions: \(2\text{NaCl} + 2\text{H}_2\text{O} \rightarrow 2\text{NaOH} + \text{H}_2 + \text{Cl}_2\) So, in industrial electrolysis of molten NaCl, steps are taken to minimize the presence of water to ensure the desired production of sodium metal and chlorine gas. |