Class 12- Electrochemistry ( How to find product of electrolysis)// Preferential discharge of ion

The products of electrolysis depend on the nature of the electrolyte being electrolysed, and the type of electrodes used.

Inert electrodes do not participate in the chemical reaction.

Platinum, gold or graphite electrodes are commonly used as inert electrodes.

The products of electrolysis depend on the nature of the electrolyte being electrolysed, and the type of electrodes used.

Inert electrodes do not participate in the chemical reaction.

Platinum, gold or graphite electrodes are commonly used as inert electrodes.

The electrolytic decomposition of aqueous sodium chloride solution produces sodium hydroxide, chlorine gas and hydrogen gas.

Process:

At the cathode, either sodium ions or hydrogen ions may be reduced. As the hydrogen ion has a higher standard electrode potential than sodium, it gets reduced. The hydrogen ions are produced by the dissociation of water.

Halide ions will undergo oxidation to form the diatomic elements in preference to water.

Chloride ions undergo oxidation in preference to water due to overvoltage of oxygen.