Question

In the manufacture of NaOH, by electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, the cathode and anode are separated by using a diaphragm because

• A. it prevents the reaction between $\ce{NaOH}$ and $\ce{Cl_2}$
• B. it increases the yield of products?
• C. it prevents the mixing of $\ce{NaCl}$ and $\ce{NaOH}$
• D. it prevents the reaction between $Na$ and $Cl_2$.

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

it prevents the reaction between $\ce{NaOH}$ and $\ce{Cl_2}$

Answer 2

On industrial scale sodium metal is extracted by Down's process.It is based on the electrolysis of fused ${NaCl}$.
At cathode : ${2Na^+ + 2e^- -> 2Na}$
At anode : ${2Cl^- -> Cl_2 + 2e^-}$
Overall reaction : {$2Na^+$+ $2Cl_2$ -> $2Na +$ $Cl_2$}
Therefore, in the construction of Down's cell, anode and cathode are separated from each other by a cylindrical steel gauze diaphragm so that ${Na}$ and ${Cl_2}$ are kept apart. ?