Question Detail

CHM 101 CHM 101 Past Questions Objective Question

Question

The industrial production of sodium metal is achieved by the electrolysis of:
Options
A molten sodium hydroxide.
B aqueous sodium chloride.
C molten sodium chloride.
Correct Answer
D aqueous sodium carbonate.
Correct Answer

Option C is the correct answer.

Detailed Explanation

The Downs cell electrolyzes molten sodium chloride (NaCl) to produce sodium metal at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode. Aqueous solutions would produce hydrogen instead of sodium.

Hint

A common salt is used, and it must be molten to prevent water reduction.

Question Info