Question

Give the electrode reactions that occur when an aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed.

Answer 1

When an aqueous solution of sodium chloride ($\mathrm{NaCl}$) is electrolyzed, sodium ions (${\mathrm{Na}}^{+}$) and ($C{l}^{-}$) chloride ions are formed

.$\mathrm{NaCl}\to {\mathrm{Na}}^{+}\left(l\right)+{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\left(l\right)$

At anode, oxidation reactions of $C{l}^{-}$is occurred by loss of electrons.

$2{\mathrm{Cl}}^{-}\left(l\right)\to {\mathrm{Cl}}_2\left(g\right)+2{\mathrm{e}}^{-}$

At cathode, reduction of $N{a}^{+}$is occurred by the gain of electrons.

$N{a}^{+}\left(l\right)+e^{-}\to \mathrm{Na}\left(l\right)$