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During electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, what happens at the cathode?
ASodium ions are reduced to sodium metal
BChloride ions are oxidised to chlorine gas
CSodium metal is oxidised to its ions
DChlorine gas is reduced to chloride ions
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal
1. In electrolysis, reduction (gain of electrons) occurs at the cathode.
2. Positive ions migrate to the cathode and gain electrons there.
3. The cathode reaction is Na+ + e- giving Na, which is reduction.
4. So sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal at the cathode.
5. Option about chloride being oxidised to chlorine describes the anode, not the cathode, so it is wrong.
6. Option about sodium metal being oxidised is wrong, as oxidation is loss of electrons, not the cathode process.
7. Option about chlorine gas being reduced is wrong, as chlorine is produced, not consumed, at the anode.
_Source: Balbharati (Maharashtra Board) Class 10 Science & Technology, Ch 8 "Metallurgy", p.112_
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