Question

During electrolysis of molten sodium chloride:

• A. sodium is obtained at the cathode and chlorine is obtained at the anode.
• B. hydrogen is obtained at the cathode and oxygen is obtained at the anode.
• C. sodium is obtained at the anode and chlorine is obtained at the cathode.
• D. hydrogen is obtained at the anode and oxygen is obtained at the cathode.

Answer 1

The correct option is A sodium is obtained at the cathode and chlorine is obtained at the anode.

During electrolysis of molten $NaCl$, sodium metal is deposited at the cathode, whereas, chlorine is liberated at the anode. The reactions are:

At cathode: $N{a}^{+}+e^{-}\to Na$
At anode: $2C{l}^{-}\to C{l}_2+2e^{-}$.