Answer to Question #140643 in General Chemistry for Sam

Question

Sodium chloride is an ionic compound that dissolves in water. The solution contains aqueous ions Na+ (aq) and Cl – (aq). A concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride is known as brine. (a) When brine is electrolysed, three useful products are formed: hydrogen, chlorine and sodium hydroxide. Describe where each product is formed during the electrolysis of brine

Answer 1

During electrolysis: hydrogen ions H +(aq) (from the water) are discharged at the negative electrode as hydrogen gas, H 2(g) ... sodium ions Na +(aq) (from the dissolved sodium chloride) and hydroxide ions OH –(aq) (from the water) stay behind - they form sodium hydroxide solution, NaOH(aq)