On electrolysis of an aqueous solution NaCl, why `H_(2)` and not Na is liberated at the cathode?

On electrolysis of an aqueous solution NaCl, why `H_(2)` and not Na is

1.	On electrolysis of an aqueous solution NaCl, why `H_(2)` and not Na is liberated at the cathode?
Answer» This is because `H^(+)` ions produced from ionization of water have lower discharge potential that `Na^(+)` ions produced from ionization of NaCl or reduction potential of water is greater than that of sodium ions.

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What are elementary reactions ?

On electrolysis of an aqueous solution NaCl, why `H_(2)` and not Na is liberated at the cathode?

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