1.

How is it possible to discharge Na+ ions in preference to H+ ions in electrolysis of NaCl solution ?

Answer»

By using cathode made of moving mercury, Na+ ions are discharged in preference to H+ ions because of the nature of electrode. Mercury has strong tendency to form an amalgam with : sodium

Na+ + e ⟶ Na

Na + Hg ⟶ Na/Hg

When the sodium amalgam dissolves in water, the reaction is

2Na/Hg + 2H2O ⟶ 2NaOH + H2 + Hg 



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