CH-1822
Electrolysis of solutions
Chemistry · Secondary 4 · Medium · Electrolysis of solutions
An aqueous solution of sodium chloride is electrolysed using inert carbon electrodes. After some time, a colourless gas is observed at the cathode. Which gas is formed and why?
- Hydrogen, because water molecules are reduced more easily than Na⁺ ions.
- Hydrogen chloride, because H⁺ and Cl⁻ combine at the cathode.
- Sodium, because Na⁺ ions gain electrons more easily than H⁺ ions.
- Oxygen, because water is oxidised at the cathode.
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