electrolysis

Question

During electrolysis of aqueous NaCl solution, the product at cathode is:

RankGuru · Accepted Answer

When electrolyzing **Aqueous $NaCl$**, several species compete at the electrodes:
- **At Cathode** (Reduction): Both $Na^+$ ions and $H_2O$ molecules are present.
1. $Na^+ + e^- 	o Na(s)$ ($E^\circ = -2.71 	ext{ V}$)
2. $2H_2O + 2e^- 	o H_2(g) + 2OH^-$ ($E^\circ = -0.83 	ext{ V}$)
- **Selection**: The reaction with the higher (less negative) reduction potential occurs more easily. Since $-0.83 > -2.71$, **Hydrogen gas** is evolved at the cathode rather than sodium metal deposition.

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electrolysis

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