Question

The electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is an industrial process. The reaction at one of the electrodes can be represented by the equation shown below. The chloride ions (Cl-) are oxidized. Explain why.

2Cl- -> Cl2 + 2e-
a) Nonpolar compounds like Substance A have stronger bonds (intramolecular forces) than polar compounds such as Substance B.
b) Nonpolar compounds like Substance A have weaker bonds (intramolecular forces) than polar compounds such as Substance B.
c) Nonpolar compounds like Substance A have weaker IMEs (intermolecular forces) than polar compounds such as Substance B.
d) Nonpolar compounds like Substance A have stronger IMFs (intermolecular forces) than polar compounds such as Substance B.

Answer 1

Main Answer:

c) Nonpolar compounds like Substance A have weaker IMEs (intermolecular forces) than polar compounds such as Substance B.

Step-by-step explanation:

The given equation represents the oxidation of chloride ions (Cl-) during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution. The key to understanding this lies in the nature of intermolecular forces (IMEs) within substances. In this context, nonpolar compounds like Substance A are characterized by weaker intermolecular forces compared to polar compounds like Substance B.

Nonpolar compounds typically exhibit weaker IMEs because they lack significant permanent dipoles or charge imbalances within their molecules. The absence of strong attractions between nonpolar molecules makes it easier to separate and facilitate processes like electrolysis. On the other hand, polar compounds, such as Substance B, possess stronger IMEs due to the presence of permanent dipoles, resulting in stronger intermolecular attractions.

In the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution, the weaker IMEs of chloride ions (Cl-) enable them to undergo oxidation more readily, as reflected in the provided equation: 2Cl- -> Cl2 + 2e-. This process is essential in industrial applications, where the controlled production of chlorine gas is a valuable outcome.

Answer 2

The correct explanation for the oxidation of chloride ions (Cl-) during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution is option c) Nonpolar compounds like Substance A have weaker IMEs (intermolecular forces) than polar compounds such as Substance B.

Step-by-step explanation:

During electrolysis, the oxidation of chloride ions (Cl-) occurs at the anode. This process involves the release of electrons to form chlorine gas (Cl2) and can be represented by the equation: 2Cl^- -> Cl2 + 2e^-.

The reason behind this lies in the nature of intermolecular forces (IMFs). In this context, chloride ions are attracted to each other due to their charge but have weaker intermolecular forces compared to polar compounds. Polar compounds, like Substance B, possess stronger IMFs due to their polar nature, leading to stronger attractions between molecules. However, nonpolar compounds, like Substance A, have weaker IMFs, resulting in comparatively weaker attractions between their molecules.

When undergoing electrolysis, the ions or compounds with weaker intermolecular forces tend to break down more readily, as weaker forces require less energy to overcome. In the case of chloride ions (Cl-), their weaker intermolecular forces compared to polar compounds facilitate the easier release of electrons during the oxidation process at the anode. This explanation aligns with the observed reaction during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution where chloride ions are oxidized to form chlorine gas.