The pH of aqueous KCl solution is 7.0. This solution was electrolysed ...
Electrolysis of Aqueous KCl Solution
Introduction:
Electrolysis is a process of decomposition of an electrolyte by passing electricity through its aqueous solution or molten state. It is carried out in an electrolytic cell using two electrodes, i.e., anode and cathode. During the process, the positive ions move towards the cathode, while the negative ions move towards the anode. At the electrodes, these ions either gain or lose electrons and are converted into neutral elements or compounds.
Electrolysis of Aqueous KCl Solution:
In the given question, the aqueous solution of KCl is electrolysed using Pt electrodes. The reaction at the anode is the oxidation of chloride ions into chlorine gas, and the reaction at the cathode is the reduction of water into hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions.
At the anode: 2Cl^-(aq) → Cl2(g) + 2e^-
At the cathode: 2H2O(l) + 2e^- → H2(g) + 2OH^-(aq)
As a result of these reactions, the concentration of hydroxide ions (OH^-) increases near the cathode, making the solution more basic. This increase in OH^- concentration results in an increase in pH of the solution.
Therefore, the correct answer to the given question is option B, i.e., the pH of the solution increases.