Electrolysis question

[plexus0208]

1. The problem statement, all variables and given/known data
Why does electrolysis of molten NaCl yield sodium and chlorine, while electrolysis of a solution of NaCl in water yields sodium hydroxide and chlorine.

2. Relevant equations

3. The attempt at a solution
Is it because H+ is more readily reduced than Na+?

2H+ + 2e --> H2 Eo= 0
2Cl- --> Cl2 + 2e Eo=-1.358

Thus, 2H+ + 2Cl- --> Cl2 H2 Eorxn=-1.358 V

And so 2H+ --> H2, leaving OH- behind in place of Cl-

[Borek]

Any ideas? You see, that template that you should use is not a joke, but a tool to force you follow forum rules.

--
chemical calculators (http://www.chembuddy.com) - buffer calculator (http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=Buffer-Maker&right=buffer-calculator), concentration calculator (http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=CASC&right=concentration_and_solution_calculator)
www.titrations.info (http://www.titrations.info) - all about titration (http://www.titrations.info) methods

[plexus0208]

Is it because H+ is more readily reduced than Na+?

2H+ + 2e --> H2 Eo= 0
2Cl- --> Cl2 + 2e Eo=-1.358

Thus, 2H+ + 2Cl- --> Cl2 H2 Eorxn=-1.358 V

And so 2H+ --> H2, leaving OH- behind in place of Cl-

[Borek]

Is it because H+ is more readily reduced than Na+?

Yes. Note that further discussion is irrelevant, as you should compare reduction potentials of H+ and Na+, chlorine reaction doesn't change.

--
chemical calculators (http://www.chembuddy.com) - buffer calculator (http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=Buffer-Maker&right=buffer-calculator), concentration calculator (http://www.chembuddy.com/?left=CASC&right=concentration_and_solution_calculator)
www.titrations.info (http://www.titrations.info) - all about titration (http://www.titrations.info) methods