Question

The electrolysis of a certain liquid resulted in the formation of hydrogen at the cathode and chlorine at the anode. The liquid is
(A) Pure water
(B) ${{H}_{2}}S{{O}_{4}}$ solution
(C) $NaCl$ solution in water
(D) $CuC{{l}_{2}}$ solution in water

Answer 1

Hint: Electrolysis is a process in which a chemical change is produced by passing an electric current through a substance. In this process, the cation gets reduced at the cathode and the anion gets oxidised at the anode. A salt bridge between a cathode and an anode is also required for this process. The salt bridge is filled with electrolyte like $KCl$.

Complete Step by Step Solution:
When electrolysis of $NaCl$ solution in water takes place, it results in the formation of hydrogen at the cathode and chlorine at the anode. Sodium hydroxide is also formed during this process.

Correct Option: (C) $NaCl$ solution in water

Additional Information: Electrolysis is used in metal purification, the production of pure gases, electroplating for corrosion prevention, alkali and alkaline earth metal metallurgy, and so on. Electrolysis depends on the nature of electrodes, electrolytes, and the ions present in the electrolyte. Depending upon the concentration of ions in the solution, the products of electrolysis are different.

Note: The potential at which the process of electrolysis occurs is known as cell potential or cell voltage. It may also be defined as the potential difference between two half-cells in an electrochemical series. It is also known as the decomposition voltage.