Question

Assertion (A): Electrolysis of aqueous NaCl gives H$_2$ at cathode and Cl$_2$ at anode.
Reason (R): Chlorine has higher oxidation potential than H$_2$O.

• A. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• B. Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of Assertion (A).
• C. Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
• D. Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.

Hint:

In electrolysis, the substance with the higher oxidation potential is oxidized at the anode. For NaCl, Cl$^-$ is oxidized to Cl$_2$.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

During the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl, hydrogen gas (H$_2$) is produced at the cathode, while chlorine gas (Cl$_2$) is produced at the anode. This occurs because chlorine exhibits a greater oxidation potential than water, facilitating the oxidation of chloride ions to chlorine gas at the anode. Consequently, both the assertion and the reason are accurate, with the reason providing a valid explanation for the assertion.