Question

Given the balanced equation representing a reaction occurring in an electrolytic cell:

Answer 1

Answer : The correct option is, (4) at the cathode, where reduction occurs

Explanation :

Electrolytic cell : It is the cell in which the chemical reaction occurs by passing of the current from external source.

In this electrolytic cell, the oxidation occurs at anode that is a positive electrode and reduction occurs at cathode that is a negative electrode.

The given balanced chemical reaction is,

$2NaCl(l)\rightarrow 2Na(l)+Cl_2(g)$

On passing electricity in the molten NaCl, Na and chlorine gas are obtained at cathode and anode respectively.

The half-cell reaction are :

At cathode : $2Na^+2e^-\rightarrow 2Na$    (Reduction)

At anode : $2Cl^-\rightarrow Cl_2+2e^-$    (Oxidation)

Hence, from this we conclude that, Na(l) produced in the cell at the cathode, where reduction occurs.

Answer 2

The answer is (4) at the cathode, where reduction occurs. The Na+ gains one electron and become Na(l). So the reaction occurs at cathode and is reduction reaction.