Question

Electrolysis of fused NaCl will give:
A.Na
B.NaOH
C.NaClO
D.${\text{NaCl}}{{\text{O}}_{\text{3}}}$

Answer 1

Hint: When we perform the electrolysis of NaCl, from the name itself we can say that it relates to the electric current. Electrolysis is performed with the ionic substance, and current leads to the breakage of bonds into the ions.

Complete step by step answer:
-First, we will discuss the process of electrolysis.
-If we define the term electrolysis; as mentioned it involves the passage of electric current through an ionic substance like NaCl. The ionic substance can exist in molten state, or dissolved state.
-As we know, there will be the presence of two electrodes, i.e. anode, and cathode. Thus, this process helps to form different chemical reactions at the electrodes.
-Now, if we talk about the electrolysis of fused NaCl.
-If we see cathode, the sodium ions will be present, and the melting of electrons will lead to the formation of sodium metal.
-We can write the equation as:
$[{\text{N}}{{\text{a}}^{\text{ + }}}{\text{ + }}{{\text{e}}^{\text{ - }}} \to {\text{Na}}]$
-If we talk about the anode, then there will be migration of chloride ions.
-We can write the chemical equation as:
${\text{C}}{{\text{l}}^{\text{ - }}} \to \frac{{\text{1}}}{{\text{2}}}{\text{C}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}{\text{ + }}{{\text{e}}^{\text{ - }}}$
-Here, we can say that at anode, chlorine atoms will ionise into the chlorine ion.
-So, in the electrolysis of NaCl, the overall reaction that takes place can be written as:
${\text{2NaCl}} \to {\text{2Na + C}}{{\text{l}}_{\text{2}}}$
-Therefore, in the end we can conclude that the electrolysis of fused NaCl will give sodium metal, and chlorine atom.
Thus, the correct option is A.

Note:
Electrolysis is a technique that uses direct electric current (DC) to drive an otherwise non-spontaneous chemical reaction. Electrolysis is commercially important as a stage in the separation of elements from naturally occurring sources such as ores using an electrolytic cell.