Question

Explain the process by which sodium metal is obtained from its molten chloride?

Answer 1

Explain the process by which sodium metal is obtained from its molten chloride?

>>We know that,The metals high up in the reactivity series are very reactive. They cannot be obtained from the compounds by heating with carbon. For example:- carbon cannot reduce the oxides of sodium, magnesium calcium, aluminium etc. to the respective metals.

>>This is because these metals have more affinity for oxygen than carbon. These metals are obtained by electrolytic Reduction. For example:-- Sodim is obtained by the electrolysis of their molten chlorides. The metals are deposited at the cathode ( the negatively charged electrode) whereas chlorine is liberated at the anode ( The positively charged electrode)

At anode :-- Na${}^{ + }$+e ${}^{ - }$-------> Na

At cathode :--- 2 Cl${ }^{ - }$-------->Cl 2+2e${}^{ - }$

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