At the cathode (negative electrode):
* Hydrogen gas (H₂): Sodium ions (Na+) are attracted to the cathode, but they are not reduced. Instead, water molecules are reduced, producing hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions (OH-):
2H₂O + 2e⁻ → H₂ + 2OH⁻
At the anode (positive electrode):
* Chlorine gas (Cl₂): Chloride ions (Cl-) are attracted to the anode and are oxidized, producing chlorine gas:
2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
Overall reaction:
The overall reaction can be represented as:
2NaCl + 2H₂O → 2NaOH + H₂ + Cl₂
Therefore, the products formed during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution are hydrogen gas, chlorine gas, and sodium hydroxide.
