Question

Assertion: In the Kolbe's electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium acetate, hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode.
Reason: $H^{+}$ is easily reduced than $N{a}^{+}$.

• A. Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion
• B. Both Assertion and Reason are correct but the Reason is not the correct explanation of Assertion
• C. The Assertion is correct but the Reason is incorrect
• D. The Assertion is incorrect but the Reason is correct

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

Both Assertion and Reason are correct and Reason is the correct explanation of Assertion

Kolbes electrolysis:
2$C{H}_{3}COO-Na$+ + 2$H_{2}O$ $\to$ $C{H}_{3}C{H}_3$+ 2$C{O}_2$+ $H_2$+$2NaOH$

Reaction at cathode
$2N{a}^{+}+2e^{-}\to 2Na\stackrel{H_{2}O}{\to }2NaOH+H_2$

In this process, Na reduces $H^{+}$ to form hydrogen gas as reduction potential of sodium ion is less than that of hydrogen ion.