Question

During the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride, sodium ions having a greater tendency than water to get oxidized, gets oxidized and forms sodium at the cathode.

• A. True
• B. False

Answer 1

The correct option is B

False

Water plays a role during the electrolysis of $NaCl$ solution. Since water can be both oxidized and reduced, it competes with the dissolved $N{a}^{+}$ and $C{l}^{-}$ ions. Having a greater tendency to get reduced than sodium ions, water gets reduced and produces hydrogen. Reduction takes place at cathode so hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode. The reaction which occurs at the cathode is:

$H_{2}O\left(l\right)+2e^{-}\to H_2\left(g\right)+2O{H}^{-}$