- #1
lasha1
- 15
- 1
In electrolysis of nacl where is sodium? Ok clorine is producing as gas but sodium?
Radhakrishnam said:When we electrolyze aqueous NaCl solution using electrodes, such as graphite, Chlorine gas is evolved at the anode and Sodium metal is formed at the cathode - but Sodium being highly reactive metal - reacts with water producing Hydrogen gas and Sodium Hydroxide.
Radhakrishnam said:What you wrote is not clear to me - 'water reacts directly producing hydrogen'. Water reacts with what?
'We observe exactly the same reaction in solutions that contain other cations'. What reaction are you referring to?
Radhakrishnam said:Now, suppose our aim is to electrolyse a solution such as aqueous NaCl to produce sodium metal, then we go to much higher cell potentials when the potential of the cathode is forced below the equilibrium potential value for reduction of Na+ ions. Then Na deposition becomes possible. However, sodium is never found at the cathode in aqueous solution electrolysis. The reason is that Na reacts spontaneously with water to produce hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide.
Radhakrishnam said:When we force the electrode potential to values lower than that corresponding to the equilibrium potential of sodium deposition (using a potentiostat, for instance), sodium deposits,
The purpose of electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is to break down the sodium chloride (NaCl) into its component elements, sodium (Na) and chlorine (Cl). This process is used to produce these elements for industrial and commercial purposes.
Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution involves passing an electric current through the solution, which causes the chloride ions (Cl-) to move towards the positive electrode (anode) and the sodium ions (Na+) to move towards the negative electrode (cathode). At the electrodes, the ions are discharged and form new substances: chlorine gas (Cl2) is produced at the anode and sodium metal (Na) is produced at the cathode.
Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution has several applications, including the production of chlorine gas, which is used in a variety of industries such as water treatment, paper manufacturing, and production of PVC plastics. It is also used to produce sodium hydroxide (NaOH), which is used in the production of soaps, detergents, and other cleaning products.
The rate of electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is affected by several factors, including the concentration of the solution, the current applied, and the distance between the electrodes. Higher concentrations of sodium chloride and higher current will increase the rate of electrolysis, while a larger distance between the electrodes will decrease the rate.
Electrolysis of sodium chloride solution can be hazardous due to the production of chlorine gas, which is toxic and can cause respiratory problems if inhaled. Additionally, if the electric current is too high, it can cause burns or shock. Proper safety precautions, such as wearing protective gear and following proper procedures, should always be taken when performing electrolysis of sodium chloride solution.