Which of the following equations is the correct equation for the cathode half-reaction in this electrolytic cell?

The electrolysis of an aqueous sodium chloride solution using inert electrodes produces gaseous chlorine at one electrode. At the other electrode, gaseous hydrogen is produced, and the solution around the electrode becomes basic.
A. H2 + 2OH- → 2H2O + 2e-
B. 2H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH-
C. 2Cl- → Cl2 + 2e-
D. Cl2 + 2e- → 2Cl-

Asked by LEE_Eling, Last updated: Apr 13, 2024

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2 Answers

A. Cook, English Professor, M.A, Ph.D, Kentucky

Answered Feb 28, 2019

The answer to this is letter B. Electrolysis is the process by which chemicals go through decomposition. You can use this formula for this purpose: 2H2O + 2e- → H2 + 2OH. Electrolysis is very important in the separation of elements especially when certain processes need to be done. There are some chemicals that may need to be separated from each other depending on their purpose.

The equation’s purpose is to show that the solution of the electrode will change and will produce different results. This is evident through the results that are achieved wherein one electrode has produced gaseous hydrogen while the other electrode shows a basic solution.