Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions
Introductory pictures
Still of apparatus
Still showing anode and cathode
(33)
HCl
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Electrolysis of a hydrochloric acid solution produces oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode.
(33)
Test with Acid-Base Indicator Video
Play movie (10 seconds, .7 MB)
In aqueous hydrochloric acid, the electrolyzed solution is acidic at both electrodes.
(33)
Half-reaction at the Anode, Cathode
NaOH
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Electrolysis of a sodium hydroxide solution produces oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode.
(33)
Test with Acid-Base Indicator Video
Play movie (7 seconds, .6 MB)
In aqueous sodium hydroxide, the electrolyzed solution is basic at both electrodes.
Half-reaction at the Anode, Cathode
NaCl
Play movie (8 seconds, .5 MB)
Electrolysis of a sodium chloride solution produces oxygen at the anode and hydrogen at the cathode.
(33)
Test with Acid-Base Indicator Video
Play movie (8 seconds, .5 MB)
In neutral sodium chloride, base is produced at the cathode and acid at the anode.
Half-reaction at the Anode, Cathode
© 1997 Division of Chemical Education, Inc., American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.