Question

In the manufacture of metallic sodium by the fused salt electrolysis (Down's process) a small amount of calcium chloride is added to

• A. Improve the electrical conduction
• B. Increase the temperature of electrolysis
• C. Bring down the melt temperature
• D. Stabilize the metallic sodium

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Bring down the melt temperature

In the manufacture of metallic sodium by the fused salt electrolysis (Down's process), a small amount of calcium chloride is added to bring down the melt temperature. $CaC{l}_2$ brings down the melt temperature from 1075K to 850K.