227k views
0 votes
Write a chemical equation of the result of an electrolytic cell which used the following:

Salt water as electrolyte
Graphite as anode and cathode
A 9V battery
Insulated copper wire
A. 2NaCl + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2 + Cl2
B. NaCl + H2O -> NaOH + H2 + Cl2
C. 2NaCl + 2H2O -> 2NaOH + H2
D. NaCl + 2H2O -> NaOH + H2 + Cl2

User Beebul
by
8.2k points

1 Answer

6 votes

Final Answer:

A chemical equation of the result of an electrolytic cell which used the following: Salt water as electrolyte, Graphite as anode and cathode, A 9V battery, Insulated copper wire is C. 2NaCl + 2H₂O -> 2NaOH + H₂

Step-by-step explanation:

In the given electrolytic cell setup, saltwater (NaCl dissolved in water) serves as the electrolyte, and graphite functions as both the anode and cathode. The application of a 9V battery with insulated copper wire completes the circuit. The correct chemical equation for the electrolysis of saltwater is represented by option C: 2NaCl + 2H₂O -> 2NaOH + H₂. This equation illustrates the decomposition of water into hydrogen gas (H₂) at the cathode and the production of sodium hydroxide (NaOH) at the anode.

At the cathode, water undergoes reduction, forming hydrogen gas (H₂) and hydroxide ions (OH⁻): 2H₂O + 2e⁻ -> H₂ + 2OH⁻. Simultaneously, at the anode, chloride ions (Cl⁻) are oxidized, leading to the formation of chlorine gas (Cl₂) and releasing electrons: 2Cl⁻ -> Cl₂ + 2e⁻. The overall cell reaction combines these processes, resulting in the balanced equation: 2NaCl + 2H₂O -> 2NaOH + H₂ + Cl₂.

This electrolytic cell demonstrates the fundamental principles of electrochemistry, where electrical energy from the battery drives non-spontaneous redox reactions. The production of sodium hydroxide and chlorine gas has industrial applications, making electrolysis a valuable process in various chemical and manufacturing processes. The correct equation, option C, accurately represents the products formed during this electrolytic cell's operation.

Welcome to QAmmunity.org, where you can ask questions and receive answers from other members of our community.