Molten NaCl is electrolyzed using two inert platinum electrodes connected to a DC…
CHEMISTRY · Single correct · AP · Chemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry · Thermodynamics and Electrochemistry
Problem
Molten NaCl is electrolyzed using two inert platinum electrodes connected to a DC power supply. Sodium metal appears at one electrode. Which description of the electrodes and electron flow is correct?
(a) Both electrodes act as cathodes because both Na+ and Cl− gain electrons during the process, and electrons flow equally to both electrodes.
(b) The platinum electrode attached to the positive terminal of the power supply serves as the cathode, and electrons flow from the power supply to that electrode.
(c) The platinum electrode attached to the negative terminal of the power supply serves as the cathode, and electrons flow from the power supply to that electrode.
(d) The platinum electrode attached to the negative terminal of the power supply serves as the anode, and electrons flow from that electrode to the power supply.