Question:

On electrolysis of very dilute aqueous solution of NaCl using platinum electrodes :

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Dilute brine → water oxidised at anode → O2 (Cl2 needs concentrated NaCl); H2 forms at cathode.
Updated On: Jun 15, 2026
  • H2 gas is evolved at anode.
  • Na is produced at anode.
  • O2 gas is evolved at anode.
  • H2 gas is evolved at cathode.
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Concept: The species with the more favourable electrode potential is discharged. In a very dilute NaCl solution the Cl concentration is too low to compete, so water is oxidised at the anode.
Anode (oxidation): 2H2O → O2 + 4H+ + 4e — so O2 is evolved (Cl2 would need concentrated brine).
Answer: (C) O2 gas is evolved at anode.
Note: at the cathode H2O is reduced to H2, so option (D) is also a true statement; option (C) is the one that specifically reflects the 'very dilute' condition being tested.
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