Question

Explain why solid sodium hydroxide cannot be electrolysed but aqueous sodium hydroxide can be electrolysed.

Answer 1

Answer:

Electrolysis involves the movement of ions to the electrode. Solid-state does not allow the movement of ions and unsuitable for electrolysis. When melted at high temperature, sodium chloride separates into sodium and chloride ions, so that, electrolysis can take place to form sodium atom and chlorine gas