Question detail
During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing sodium chloride, what products are formed at the anode and cathode? Justify your answer.
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
During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution containing sodium chloride, what products are formed at the anode and cathode? Justify your answer.
Answer
At the anode, chlorine gas is produced, and at the cathode, hydrogen gas is produced. Chlorine is formed because halide ions (Cl-) are present and are discharged at the anode, while hydrogen is produced at the cathode because sodium is more reactive than hydrogen.
Explanation
This answer shows the student's understanding of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions and the role of halide ions. It tests the ability to justify predictions based on the presence of specific ions and their reactivity.
Common mistake
Hydrogen Production Prediction Error
Students often incorrectly predict that hydrogen is produced at the cathode regardless of the metal's reactivity.
Remind students to compare the reactivity of the metal with hydrogen; hydrogen is produced only if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen.
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