Question

Brine solution on electrolysis will give:
A) $NaOH$
B) ${O_2}$
C) $C{l_2}$
D) ${H_2}$

Answer 1

Brine is a mixture/solution of water and sodium chloride. In the electrolysis process, chemical changes take place with the help of electric current and the new chemical compounds form.

Complete answer:
Electrolysis of the brine solution is the large-scale process that is used to manufacture chlorine from the salt. The other two useful chemicals that are produced during the process are hydrogen and sodium hydroxide.
It is important to note that sodium hydroxide and chlorine that are produced in the process are separated. They only react when they come in contact with each other.
The cathodic electrode reaction of the brine solution under electrolysis are:
The cathode will attract the sodium ions from the sodium chloride and hydrogen ions from the water. The hydrogen ions gain 2 electrons and are reduced to form hydrogen molecules.
$2{H^ + }\left( {aq} \right) + 2{e^ - } \to {H_2}\left( g \right)$
$2{H_2}O + 2{e^ - } \to {H_2}\left( g \right) + 2O{H^ - }\left( {aq} \right)$
The anodic electrode reactions of brine solution are:
The anode will attract the hydroxide ions from the water and chlorine ions from sodium chloride. The chlorine ions lose 2 electrons and get oxidised.
$C{l_2} \to 2C{l^ - } + 2{e^ - }$
$N{a^ + } + O{H^ - } \to NaOH$

Thus, the correct options are A, C, D. i.e., $NaOH,C{l_2},{H_2}$.

Additional Information: There are several environmental impacts of electrolysis that must be considered. The process of electrolysis uses a lot of electricity that is obtained by burning of fossil fuels. During the process, metal which is used is mercury that is very much toxic. Some mercury escapes in the environment and some in solution.

Note: Chlorine used as a disinfectant and purifier, used in manufacturing of hydrochloric acid. Sodium hydroxide used in processing foods, for removing pollutants and manufacture of paper. Hydrogen used as potential as the pollution-free fuel.