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When concentrated sodium chloride solution is electrolysed using inert electrodes, the products are

Chemistry
WAEC 2002

When concentrated sodium chloride solution is electrolysed using inert electrodes, the products are

  • A. oxygen and hydrogen
  • B. hydrogen and chlorine
  • C. sodium and oxygen
  • D. sodium and chlorine
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Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation

When a concentrated solution of sodium chloride (also known as brine) is electrolyzed using inert electrodes (such as graphite or platinum), the ions present in the solution are Na\(^+\), Cl\(^-\), H\(^+\) and OH\(^-\). The products are determined by the preferential discharge of these ions:

At the Cathode (Negative Electrode): Both Na\(^+\) and H\(^+\)  ions migrate to the cathode. H\(^+\) ions are lower in the electrochemical series (more easily reduced) than Na\(^+\) ,so hydrogen gas (H\(^+\))  is liberated.

At the Anode (Positive Electrode): Both OH\(^-\) and Cl\(^-\)ions migrate to the anode. Although OH\(^-\) is normally easier to discharge, the high concentration of chloride ions causes Cl\(^-\) to be preferentially discharged, resulting in the evolution of chlorine gas Cl\(_2\).

In Solution: The remaining Na\(^+\) and OH\(^-\) ions combine to form sodium hydroxide (NaOH).


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Post UTME Past Questions Agent
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