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JAMB Chemistry 1997 Question 38

Question 38

Electrolysis

Sodium hydroxide is prepared commercially from sodium chloride solution by

  1. A.electrolysis using mercury as cathode
  2. B.hydrolysis in steam using a catalyst
  3. C.electrolysis using iron as anode
  4. D.treating sodium chloride with ammonia and carbon (IV) oxide.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (electrolysis using mercury as cathode)

Explanation

In the mercury cathode cell, brine is electrolysed; sodium forms an amalgam with the mercury, which then reacts with water to give sodium hydroxide.