Electrolysis
During electrolysis of aqueous NaCl solution, the product at cathode is:
Select the correct option:
Solution
H₂
When electrolyzing Aqueous NaCl, several species compete at the electrodes:
- At Cathode (Reduction): Both Na+ ions and H2O molecules are present.
- Na++e−→Na(s) (E∘=−2.71 V)
- 2H2O+2e−→H2(g)+2OH− (E∘=−0.83 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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About This Question
- Subject
- chemistry
- Chapter
- redox reactions and electrochemistry
- Topic
- electrolysis
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Year
- 2025
Solution
Correct Answer:
H₂
When electrolyzing Aqueous NaCl, several species compete at the electrodes:
- At Cathode (Reduction): Both Na+ ions and H2O molecules are present.
- Na++e−→Na(s) (E∘=−2.71 V)
- 2H2O+2e−→H2(g)+2OH− (E∘=−0.83 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.
This easy difficulty chemistry question is from the chapter redox reactions and electrochemistry, covering the topic of electrolysis. It appeared in the 2025 exam.
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