In the electrolytic reduction of metals like sodium, magnesium, and calcium, the metals are deposited at the cathode (negatively charged electrode), while chlorine is liberated at the anode (positively charged electrode).
In the electrolytic reduction of metals like sodium, magnesium, and calcium, where are the metals deposited, and what is liberated at the anode?
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In the electrolytic reduction of metals like sodium, magnesium, and calcium, the metals are deposited at the cathode. The metal cations in their molten or dissolved state gain electrons at the cathode and are reduced to form solid metal. For example, in the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, sodium metal is deposited at the cathode:
2Na⁺ + 2e⁻ → 2Na
At the anode, negative ions such as chloride (Cl⁻) are oxidized. In the case of sodium chloride, chlorine gas (Cl₂) is liberated at the anode:
2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
This process allows for the extraction of the metal from its molten or dissolved salt.