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What is the product formed at the cathode in the electrolysis of aqueous Na2SO4?

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in Chemistry – Class 12 by (188k points)
What is the product formed at the cathode in the electrolysis of aqueous Na2SO4?

(a) Sodium metal

(b) Oxygen gas

(c) Hydrogen gas

(d) Sulphur

The question was posed to me during an interview.

This question is from Electrolytic Cells and Electrolysis topic in portion Electrochemistry of Chemistry – Class 12

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Correct choice is (c) Hydrogen gas

The best explanation: Na2SO4 dissociates into Na^+ and SO4^2- ions in the electrolysis of aqueous Na2SO4. Na^+ has much lower reduction potential than water and hence Na^+ ions are not reduced at the cathode. Instead, reduction of water occurs giving out hydrogen gas at the cathode.

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