Question

In the electrolysis of molten NaCl using inert electrodes, what will be observed at the electrodes?

• A. Sodium deposited at anode, chlorine at cathode.
• B. Sodium deposited at cathode, chlorine at anode.
• C. Hydrogen gas at cathode, chlorine at anode.
• D. Sodium deposited at anode, oxygen at cathode.

Hint:

In electrolysis, remember that reduction occurs at the cathode (metal deposition or hydrogen evolution), and oxidation occurs at the anode (gas evolution or metal dissolution).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

In the electrolysis of molten NaCl using inert electrodes, sodium metal is deposited at the cathode (reduction occurs at the cathode), and chlorine gas is evolved at the anode (oxidation occurs at the anode). The half-reactions at the electrodes are as follows: At the cathode (reduction): \[ Na^+ + e^- \rightarrow Na \quad \text{(Sodium is deposited)} \] At the anode (oxidation): \[ 2Cl^- \rightarrow Cl_2 + 2e^- \quad \text{(Chlorine gas is evolved)} \] Thus, the correct observation is sodium deposited at the cathode and chlorine gas evolved at the anode.