Which among the following is correct for electrolysis of brine soluti...
In electrolysis of brine solution, H
2 gas is liberated at cathode. The solution contains four ions Na
+, Cl
+ , H
+ and OH ions. There occurs a race amongst them for their discharge at their respective electrodes.
Following electrode reactions are possible:
In this electrolysis, H2 at cathode and Cl2, at anode are given off.
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Which among the following is correct for electrolysis of brine soluti...
Electrolysis of brine solution, which is a solution of sodium chloride (NaCl) in water, involves the decomposition of the compound into its constituent elements, namely hydrogen (H2) gas and chlorine (Cl2) gas. This process is carried out using an electrolytic cell, which consists of two electrodes (a cathode and an anode) immersed in the brine solution.
Explanation:
1. Cathode:
At the cathode, reduction occurs, which means that positively charged ions gain electrons and are converted into their neutral form. In the case of brine electrolysis, the primary reduction reaction is the reduction of water molecules. The equation for this reaction is as follows:
2H2O(l) + 2e- → H2(g) + 2OH-(aq)
As a result, hydrogen gas (H2) is liberated at the cathode.
2. Anode:
At the anode, oxidation occurs, which means that negatively charged ions lose electrons and are converted into their neutral form or compounds. In the case of brine electrolysis, the primary oxidation reaction is the oxidation of chloride ions. The equation for this reaction is as follows:
2Cl-(aq) → Cl2(g) + 2e-
As a result, chlorine gas (Cl2) is liberated at the anode.
Conclusion:
Based on the above explanation, it is clear that option 'C' is correct. Hydrogen gas (H2) is liberated at the cathode during the electrolysis of brine solution. The other options are incorrect: oxygen gas (O2) is not liberated at the cathode, sodium metal is not collected at the anode, and chlorine gas (Cl2) is not liberated at the cathode.
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