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Sodium Hydroxide Experiment With Electrolysis

Brine is a concentrated solution of sodium chloride.

During electrolysis, the overall reaction is:

2NaCl(aq)+ 2H2O(l) 2NaOH(aq)+ Cl2(g)+H2(g)

What is Brine?

The Electrolysis

Hydrogen is discharged in preference to sodium:

2H+(aq) + 2e- H2(g)

As usuan at the cathode, this is reduction.

At the Cathode

Chlorine is discharged in preference to Oxygen:

2Cl- (aq) Cl2 +  2e- 

As usual at the anode, this is oxidation.

At the Anode

The two gases bubble off. Na+ and OH- ions are left behind, giving a solution of sodium hydroxide. Some of the solution is evaporated to a give more concentrated solution, end some is evaporated to dryness, giving solid sodium hydroxide.

Sodium Hydroxide

What the products are used for

Used for making…The plastic PVCSolvents for degreasing and drycleaningMedical drugsWeedkillers and pesticidesPaints and dyestuffsBleachesHydrogen chloride and hydrochloric acid

It is also used as a sterilising agent, to kill bacteria in water supplies and swimming pools

Chlorine, a poisonous yellow-green gas

Used…In making nylon

To make hydrogen peroxide

To harden vegetable oils to make margarine

As a fuel in hydrogen fuel cells

Hydrogen, a colourless flammable gas

Used in making…Soaps DetergentsViscose and other textilesPaperCeramicsDyesMedical drugs

Sodium hydroxide solution, alkaline and corrosive

http://aquarius.nasa.gov/pdfs/electrolysis.pdfhttp://www.gcsescience.com/ex4.htmhttp://www.science.uwaterloo.ca/~cchieh/

cact/c123/eltlysis.htmlhttp://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?

qid=20070813195931AAttlJUhttp://www.elkadot.com/en/chemistry/

Electrolysis%20of%20Molten%20Sodium%20Chloride.htm

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