Electrolysis, factors=>n(product)

In summary, the amount of chlorine produced in the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride is affected by the chloride ion concentration and the length of time of electrolysis. This is because in dilute solutions, H+ and OH- are preferentially discharged, but in concentrated solutions of NaCl, Cl- becomes energetically feasible to discharge. The factors of temperature and pressure do not significantly affect the amount of Cl2 produced, but may affect the amount collected due to the solubility of Cl2 in water.
  • #1
Hevonen
54
0
[SOLVED] Electrolysis, factors=>n(product)

2. Relevant equation
Which pair of factors both affect the amount (in mol) of chlorine produced in the electrolysis of aqueous
sodium chloride?
A. current and temperature
B. temperature and chloride ion concentration
C. chloride ion concentration and length of time of electrolysis
D. pressure and length of time of electrolysis

The Attempt at a Solution


The right answer is C but why? I know that Current and time of electrolysis affects on the amount (as It=nzF). However, I do not why Temperature or pressure do not affect on the amount and why [Cl] does. Please, say your comment on this question.
 
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  • #2
in a dilute aqueous solution of NaCl, H+ and OH- are preferentially discharged. there would not be any Cl- discharged. but, you have a concentrated solution of NaCl (brine), the discharge of Cl- becomes energetically feasible over the discharge of H+ (which is also discharged to a certain extent). the temperature has no effect on the production of Cl2, neither does pressure. temperature or pressure might affect the amount of Cl2 collected because Cl2 is very soluble in water, but they will not affect the yield of Cl2.
 
  • #3
Kushal said:
temperature or pressure might affect the amount of Cl2 collected because Cl2 is very soluble in water, but they will not affect the yield of Cl2.

The question is about the amount. So your point is that [Cl-] plays a more important role in determining the amount of Cl2 formed and the effects of temperature and pressure are insignificant compareted to that of [Cl-].
 
  • #4
yeah, the preferential discharge of Cl- (instead of the OH- which although has a higher electrode potential) is independent of changes in temperature or pressure.
 

What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is a chemical process in which an electric current is passed through a substance, causing a chemical reaction that splits the substance into its constituent elements or compounds.

What factors affect the rate of electrolysis?

The rate of electrolysis is affected by several factors, including the concentration of the electrolyte solution, the type and size of electrodes used, the current and voltage applied, and the temperature of the solution.

What products are formed during electrolysis?

The products formed during electrolysis depend on the substance being electrolyzed. For example, when water is electrolyzed, the products are hydrogen gas and oxygen gas.

How does electrolysis work?

During electrolysis, an electric current is passed through an electrolyte solution, causing the ions in the solution to move towards the electrodes. At the electrodes, the ions lose or gain electrons, resulting in the formation of new substances.

What are the applications of electrolysis?

Electrolysis has many industrial applications, including metal refining, production of chemicals such as chlorine and sodium hydroxide, and electroplating. It is also used in batteries, fuel cells, and other energy storage systems.

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