Molten sodium chloride is broken down in an electrolytic cell into the elements sodium and chlorine. Where do the products form?

1. Sodium forms at the cathode through oxidation, and chlorine forms at the anode through reduction.

2. Sodium forms at the anode through oxidation, and chlorine forms at the cathode through reduction.

3. Sodium forms at the cathode through reduction, and chlorine forms at the anode through oxidation.

4. Sodium forms at the anode through reduction, and chlorine forms at the cathode through oxidation.

Answer: 3. Sodium forms at the cathode through reduction, and chlorine forms at the anode through oxidation.

Explanation:

You need to be aware of the definitions of oxidation and reduction.

Oxidation is the process of increasing the oxidation state by losing electrons. It happens in the anode.

Reduction is the process of reducing the oxidation state by gaining electrons. It happens in the cathode.

This is the chemical reaction happening in the electrolitic cell:

2NaCl (l) → 2Na (l) + Cl₂ (g)

That reaction is the result of two separate reactions: oxidation and reduction.

The oxidation happens in the anode and is:

2 Cl⁻ (l) → Cl₂ (g) + 2e⁻

The reduction happens in the cathode and is:

2Na⁺ (l) + 2e⁻ → 2Na (l)

The answer for this chemical equation is;

3. Sodium forms at the cathode through reduction, and chlorine forms at the anode through oxidation.