Question

Write briefly about the three methods of electrolysis of sodium chloride.

Answer 1

1. After preparing a solution by mixing very low sodium chloride (salt) in water, when electric current is passed, this solution gets decomposed and hydrogen gas is produced near the negative terminal and oxygen gas near the positive terminal.
2. Chlorine gas is liberated when electricity is passed through a saturated aqueous solution of sodium chloride (brine – 10% NaCl).
3. On electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, chlorine gas is released near the positive side and liquid sodium metal is released near the negative side.