Explain the term electrolysis. Discuss briefly the electrolysis of (i). molten NaClNaCl
Electrolysis: This is a process of decomposition of a chemical compound in aqueous solutions or in a molten state by a chemical change during electric current The electrolysis of molten NaCl when sodium chloride is melted above 8010C8010C then two electrodes are inserted into the melt and electric current is passed through the molten salt. The following chemical reactions take place at the electrodes. At cathode: Na++e−→NaNa++e−→Na At anode: Cl−→12Cl2+e−Cl−→12Cl2+e− the overall reaction is, 2NaCl→2Na(s)+Cl2(g)2NaCl→2Na(s)+Cl2(g)
