Final answer:
In an aqueous solution, positively charged sodium ions are attracted to and move toward the negative terminal or electrode due to electrical attraction. So option (a) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
In an aqueous solution, sodium ions would move toward a negative terminal. This is because sodium ions are cations, which means they have a positive charge, and they are attracted to the opposite charge, which is negative, during electrolysis. During this process, such as in the electrolysis of sodium chloride, the positive sodium ions (Na+) migrate toward the negative electrode (cathode) but do not form metallic sodium due to their high reactivity with water. Instead, reduction reactions usually occur, producing hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions at the negative electrode.
Understanding this phenomenon is crucial in various electrochemical processes, including electrolysis and electroplating, where the controlled movement of ions is harnessed. In summary, in an aqueous solution, sodium ions migrate towards the negative terminal due to the attraction between the positively charged sodium ions and the negative electrode.