Question

During electrolysis of sodium chloride, the gas released at the anode is :

• A. Chlorine
• B. Hydrogen
• C. Oxygen
• D. None of these

Answer 1

The correct option is A

Chlorine

Step 1: Explanation for correct option:

(a) Chlorine

When molten $NaCl$is electrolyzed, sodium is deposited at the cathode and chlorine gas is freed at the anode. $C{l}_2$ gas is freed at the anode and $H_2$ gas is liberated at the cathode in the electrolysis of the aqueous solution of $NaCl.$

Step 2: Explanation for incorrect options:

In the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of $NaCl$, $C{l}_2$ gas is liberated at the anode and ${\mathrm{H}}_2$ gas is liberated at the cathode.

(b) Since Hydrogen gas is only liberated at the cathode, it cannot be released at the anode.

(c) The cathode liberates Hydrogen gas and the anode liberates Chlorine, the gas Oxygen ($O_2$) is not liberated in any of the electrodes in the electrolysis of Sodium Chloride.