During the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, sodium metal is produced at the cathode because sodium ions
- A. lose electrons there
- B. gain electrons and are reduced there
- C. are attracted to the anode
- D. react with chlorine there
Explanation
Positive sodium ions migrate to the negative cathode, each accepting one electron to become a sodium atom, which is reduction. Chloride ions travel to the anode, give up electrons and are oxidised to chlorine gas. This is the Down's process, and the salt must be molten because the ions in the solid cannot move.
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