1)Give the half cell equation for the extraction of sodium chloride at the anode and cathode
2)What is the purpose of steel diaphragm
3)State the property which makes sodium to be at the top
4)Why is chlorine collected and not allowed to flow to atmosphere?Explain using equations
5)Name the main ore of aluminum and give its formula
6)Why does aluminum oxide dissolve in sodium hydroxide while iron(ii)oxide does not?Explain
1)
Anode: 2Cl^(-) -> Cl2(g) + 2e^-
Cathode: 2Na(+) + 2e^- -> 2Na(s)
2) The purpose of a steel diaphragm is to separate the anode and cathode compartments in an electrolytic cell used for the extraction of sodium chloride. It allows ions to flow through, maintaining electrical conductivity, but prevents the mixing of undesirable products from the anode and cathode reactions.
3) Sodium is lighter than most metals, which is why it tends to float on water. This property allows it to be at the top in certain situations.
4) Chlorine is collected and not allowed to flow to the atmosphere because it is a highly toxic gas. If released into the atmosphere, it can have harmful effects on human health and the environment. The equation for the reaction of chlorine gas with water can be represented as follows:
Cl2(g) + H2O(l) -> HCl(aq) + HOCl(aq)
5) The main ore of aluminum is bauxite, and its chemical formula is Al2O3ยท2H2O.
6) Aluminum oxide dissolves in sodium hydroxide due to the formation of soluble sodium aluminate:
Al2O3(s) + 2NaOH(aq) + 3H2O(l) -> 2Na[Al(OH)4](aq)
On the other hand, iron(II) oxide does not dissolve in sodium hydroxide because it forms insoluble iron(II) hydroxide:
FeO(s) + 2NaOH(aq) -> Fe(OH)2(s)