Question

Electrolysis of sodium hydroxide why does it produce h2 and o2

Answer 1

H2(g) and NaOH(aq) are produced at the cathode (negative electrode). As the hydrogen ions are converted into hydrogen gas, the water equilibrium tips to the right to replace them. Equilibrium shifts to produce more hydroxide ions as H+ ions are removed during hydrolysis.

Water at the cathode combines with electrons from the external circuit to form hydrogen gas and negatively charged oxygen ions. The oxygen ions pass through the solid ceramic membrane and react at the anode to form oxygen gas and generate electrons for the external circuit.