NEET Exam  >  NEET Questions  >  An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is ele... Start Learning for Free
An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectively
  • a)
    H2, O2
  • b)
    O2, H2
  • c)
    O2, Na
  • d)
    O2, SO2
Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert ele...
**Electrolysis of Sodium Sulphate (Na2SO4)**

When an aqueous solution of sodium sulphate (Na2SO4) is electrolyzed using inert electrodes, the following reactions occur at the cathode and anode.

**Cathode reaction:**
At the cathode (negative electrode), water molecules (H2O) are reduced to hydrogen gas (H2) according to the following half-reaction:

2H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH-

**Anode reaction:**
At the anode (positive electrode), the sulphate ions (SO42-) are oxidized to oxygen gas (O2) according to the following half-reaction:

4OH- → 2H2O + O2 + 4e-

**Overall reaction:**
The overall reaction can be obtained by adding the cathode and anode reactions together:

2H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH-
4OH- → 2H2O + O2 + 4e-
-------------------------------
2H2O + 4OH- → 2H2 + O2

As we can see, the products formed at the cathode are hydrogen gas (H2) and hydroxide ions (OH-), while at the anode, oxygen gas (O2) is produced.

Therefore, the correct answer is option 'A': H2 at the cathode and O2 at the anode.

It is important to note that the choice of inert electrodes (usually platinum or graphite) is crucial in this electrolysis process. Inert electrodes do not participate in the reactions and only serve as conductive surfaces for the flow of electrons.

Moreover, the presence of sodium ions (Na+) in the solution does not play a significant role in the electrolysis process. They remain in the solution as spectator ions and do not participate in the electrode reactions.
Free Test
Community Answer
An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert ele...
A solution of sodium sulphate in water is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are H2​, O2​ respectively.
Hydrogen ions having lower discharge (or higher reduction) potential than sodium ions will be liberated at the cathode.
2H++2e−→H2​↑
Hydroxide ions having a lower discharge potential than sulphate ions, will be liberated at anode.
4OH−→2H2​O+O2​+4e−
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?
Question Description
An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? for NEET 2025 is part of NEET preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the NEET exam syllabus. Information about An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for NEET 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for NEET. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for NEET Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice An aqueous solution of sodium sulphate is electrolysed using inert electrodes. The products at the cathode and anode are respectivelya)H2, O2b)O2, H2c)O2, Nad)O2, SO2Correct answer is option 'A'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice NEET tests.
Explore Courses for NEET exam

Top Courses for NEET

Explore Courses
Signup for Free!
Signup to see your scores go up within 7 days! Learn & Practice with 1000+ FREE Notes, Videos & Tests.
10M+ students study on EduRev