Explain how sodium is extracted from molten sodium chloride by the process of electrolytic reduction.

Open in App

Solution

Down's cell consists of a rectangular steel container. The tank is lined with firebricks.
Anode is a graphite rod and Cathode is a iron ring. The anode and cathode are separated from each other by a cylindrical steel gauze diaphragm.

When an electric current is passed through the molten NaCl, it decomposes in to Na⁺ and Cl^-ion. Na⁺ions migrate towards cathode while Chloride ions migrates the anode. The molten sodium collects in the cathode and chlorine is liberated at the anode.

NaCl ---> Na⁺ + Cl^-
Cathode : Na⁺ + e^- -----> Na
Anode: 2Cl^- ------> 2Cl + 2e^-
2 Cl -----> Cl₂

Suggest Corrections

Similar questions

(a) For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon.
(b) Explain why an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for the electrolytic extraction of sodium metal.

Q. (i) An aqueous solution of sodium chloride is not used for electrolytic reduction of sodium metal. Why?
(ii) For the reduction of a metal oxide, suggest a reducing agent other than carbon.

Q. molten metal chloride is used for extraction of sodium metal . why cant we use solid metal chloride

Q. In which of the following process fused sodium chloride is electrolysed for extraction of sodium?

Q. For extraction of sodium from

N a C l

, the electrolytic mixture

N a C l + {N a}_{3} {A l F}_{6} + {C a C l}_{2}

is used. During extraction process, only sodium is deposited on cathode but

K

and

C a

do not because:

Join BYJU'S Learning Program