Question detail
What are the products formed during the electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution, and how can they be identified?
Try the question, check the answer, then read the explanation to understand the curriculum point.
At a glance
Question
Type
exam_style
Style
Topic
Electrolysis
Question
What are the products formed during the electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution, and how can they be identified?
Answer
During the electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution, chlorine gas is produced at the anode and hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode. Chlorine can be identified by its yellow-green color and pungent smell, while hydrogen can be identified by the 'pop' sound it makes when ignited.
Explanation
This question tests the understanding of the products formed during aqueous electrolysis and the ability to identify them using chemical tests. It requires knowledge of the specific ions present in the solution and their behavior at the electrodes.
Common mistake
Misidentifying the anode product
Students often think that oxygen is always produced at the anode in aqueous electrolysis, even when halide ions are present.
Explain that if halide ions (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) are present, the anode reaction will produce the corresponding halogen (Cl₂, Br₂, I₂) because the halide oxidation potential is lower than that of water. Use the reactivity series and ion potentials to predict the correct anode product, and remind students to test the gas with appropriate chemical tests (e.g., sodium hydroxide for chlorine, silver nitrate for bromine).
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