Question

What happens during the electrolysis of sodium chloride? explain in detail.

Answer 1

When sodium chloride and heated and melted, the sodium ions and the chloride ions can separate from one another somewhat, and they are free to move throughout the liquid. Electrolysis of sodium chloride is carried out in an electrolytic cell.

The following equation represents the breaking apart of NaCl(l):

2NaCl(l) → 2Na(l) + Cl2(g)

The half-reactions involved in this process are:

Reduction: 2Na+(l) + 2e- → Na(s)

Oxidation 2Cl-(l) → Cl2 (g) + 2e-

On passing electricity, sodium ions are attracted near cathode sodium metal gets deposited here. And chloride ions are attracted towards anode, chlorine gas gets evolved here.