Why is chlorine gas a product of NaCl electrolysis?

A. The Cl - ions become oxidized at the cathode allowing them to form Cl2 molecules.

B. The Cl + ions become reduced at the anode allowing them to form Cl2 molecules.

C. The Na + ions react to the anode, releasing the Cl - ions with enough energy to change into a gas.

D. The Na - ions react to the cathode, releasing the Cl + ions with enough energy to change into a gas.

A. The Cl - ions become oxidized at the cathode allowing them to form Cl2 molecules.

Explanation:

At the anode in an electrolytic cell oxidation occurs.

In the electrolysis of NaCl, at the anode both Cl⁻ and OH⁻ migrates here.

Cl⁻ is preferentially discharged and it undergoes oxidation as shown below:

2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻

We see a loss of electron and change in oxidation number of Cl from - 1 to 0

Chlorine gas is liberated in this electrode.

The Cl - ions become oxidized at the cathode allowing them to form Cl2 molecules.

Explanation:

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