Method:
1) Find the atomic number in a periodic table: the number of electrons equal the atomic number
2) Use Aufbau rule
Element atomic number electron configuration
<span>
P 15 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p3
Ca 20 </span><span><span>1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2
</span>Si 14</span><span> 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p2
S 16</span><span><span> 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p4
</span>Ga 31. </span><span><span> 1s2 2s2 2p6 3s2 3p6 4s2 3d10 4p</span> </span>
Explanation:
The graphite anodes are suspended into the brine. During electrolysis, Cl ions are oxidized at the anode and chlorine gas goes out of the cell, while sodium ions are reduced at the mercury cathode forming sodium amalgam. ... Hydrogen gas is obtained as a by–product at the cathode.