Question on: JAMB Chemistry - 2024
Concentrated sodium chloride solution is electrolyzed using mercury cathode and graphite anode. The products at the anode and the cathode respectively are
Here's the breakdown of the electrolysis process:
Anode (Positive Electrode): Oxidation occurs at the anode. Chloride ions (Cl⁻) from the sodium chloride solution are oxidized to chlorine gas (Cl₂). The reaction is: 2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
Cathode (Negative Electrode): Reduction occurs at the cathode. Sodium ions (Na⁺) and water (H₂O) are present in the solution. Since the overpotential for sodium ion reduction is very high on a mercury cathode, sodium metal is formed, which then forms an amalgam with mercury. The reaction is: Na⁺ + e⁻ → Na
Therefore, the products at the anode and cathode are chlorine and sodium, respectively.
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