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MHT CET · Chemistry · Electrochemistry

In the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride with inert electrodes the products obtained at anode and cathode respectively are

  1. A Cl2 and Na
  2. B O2 and Na
  3. C Cl2 and H2
  4. D Na and Cl2
Verified Solution

Answer & Solution

Correct Answer

(C) Cl2 and H2

Step-by-step Solution

Detailed explanation

In the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride with inert electrodes, the products obtained at anode and cathode respectively are \(C l_2\) and \(H_2\).
The solution contains four ions \(Na ^{+}, Cl ^{-}, H ^{+}, OH\).
Following reaction takes place:
At cathode
\(N a^{+}(a q)+e^{-} \rightarrow N a(s) ;\) \(E_{N a^{+} / N a}^{-}=-2.71 V\)
\(2 H _2 O (l)+2 e^{-} \rightarrow H _2(g)+2 \overline{ O } H (a q) ;\) \(E_{ H _2 O / H _2}^o=-0.83 V\)
At anode
\(2 C l^{-}(a q) \rightarrow C l_2(g)+2 e^{-} ; E_{C l^{-} / C l_2}^o=-1.36 V\)
\(2 H _2 O _2(l) \rightarrow O (g)+4 H ^{+}(a q)+4 e^{-} ;\) \(E_{ H _2 O / O _2}^o=-1.23 V\)
\(E_{ H _2 O / H _2}^o>E_{ Na ^{+} / Na }^o\). is formed at cathode.
Whereas \(E_{ H _2 O / O _2}^o>E_{ Cl ^{-} / Cl _2}^o\). So, formed at anode.