Question

An aqueous solution of $\mathit{N}\mathit{a}\mathit{C}\mathit{l}$ is electrolyzed with an inert electrode. Write the equation for the reaction taking place at cathode and anode? What happens if $\mathit{N}\mathit{a}\mathit{N}{\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}$ is replaced with $\mathit{N}\mathit{a}\mathit{C}\mathit{l}$ ?

Answer 1

1. During the electrolysis of Sodium chloride($\mathit{N}\mathit{a}\mathit{C}\mathit{l}$ ) chlorine gas is formed at Anode and Hydrogen gas is formed at Cathode.
2. The reaction is,

$$\begin{gathered} Anode:2C{l}^{-}\to \underset{Chlorinegas}{C{l}_2\left(g\right)}+2e^{-} \\ Cathode:2H^{+}+2e^{-}\to \underset{Hydrogengas}{H_2\left(g\right)} \end{gathered}$$

3. If Sodium chloride is replaced with $\mathit{N}\mathit{a}\mathit{N}{\mathit{O}}_{\mathbf{3}}$ the reaction changes to:

$$\begin{gathered} Anode:2O{H}^{-}\to H_{2}O+\frac{1}{2}{O}_2+2e^{-} \\ Cathode:2H^{+}+2e^{-}\to H_2\left(g\right) \end{gathered}$$