Question

When a dilute aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed between platinum electrodes hydrogen gas is evolved at the cathode but metallic sodium is not deposited.why?

Answer 1

1. H⁺ ions are reduced and not Na⁺ because, H⁺/H₂ reduction potential is higher than Na⁺/Na.

2. The reduction potential is the ability to get reduced.

3. For H it is 0 while for Na it is negative.