Which one of the following statements is correct for electrolysis of brine solution?

Which one of the following statements is correct for electrolysis of brine solution?

  1. Cl2 is formed at cathode
  2. O2 is formed at cathode
  3. H2 is formed at anode
  4. OH-is formed at cathode

Solution

Brine solution is the concentrated solution of NaCl in water.

 NaCl (aq.)Na(aq) ++Cl(aq) +

The cathode will attract the sodium ions from the sodium chloride and hydrogen ions from the water. The hydrogen ions gain 2 electrons and are reduced to form hydrogen molecules.

2H+ (aq) + 2e-  H2 (g)

2H2O + 2e  H2 (g) + 2OH (aq)

The anode will attract the hydroxide ions from the water and chlorine ions from sodium chloride. The chlorine ions lose 2 electrons and get oxidised.

Cl2  2Cl + 2e

Na+ + OH  NaOH

Asked in: JEE Main 2023 (31 Jan Shift 1)

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