Sodium metal is extracted by

Options

A. Electrolysis of aqueous solution of sodium chloride
B. Electrolysis of fused sodium chloride
C. Heating sodium oxide with carbon
D. Heating sodium oxide with hydrogen

Answer

To extract sodium metal, we follow a specific process known as electrolytic reduction. Below is a step-by-step solution to the question:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding the Extraction Process**:
Sodium metal is extracted through a method called electrolytic reduction. This process involves the use of electricity to decompose a compound.

**Hint**: Remember that electrolytic reduction involves the use of electric current to drive a chemical reaction.

2. **Using Sodium Chloride**:
The specific compound used for the extraction of sodium is fused sodium chloride (NaCl). Fused means that the sodium chloride is in a molten state, which allows ions to move freely.

**Hint**: Fused sodium chloride is essential because it allows for the conduction of electricity.

3. **Electrolysis Setup**:
In the electrolysis setup, the fused sodium chloride is placed in an electrolytic cell. When electricity is passed through this molten salt, it undergoes decomposition.

**Hint**: Think of electrolysis as a way to separate elements from their compounds using electricity.

4. **Decomposition Reaction**:
The electrolysis of fused sodium chloride can be represented by the following reaction:
\[ 2 \text{NaCl} \rightarrow 2 \text{Na} + \text{Cl}_2 \]
Here, sodium ions (Na⁺) migrate to the cathode (negative electrode) where they gain electrons and are reduced to form sodium metal (Na). Chloride ions (Cl⁻) migrate to the anode (positive electrode) where they lose electrons and are oxidized to form chlorine gas (Cl₂).

**Hint**: Remember that reduction occurs at the cathode and oxidation occurs at the anode.

5. **Final Products**:
The final products of this electrolysis process are sodium metal, which is collected at the cathode, and chlorine gas, which is released at the anode.

**Hint**: Identify the products formed at each electrode to understand the overall reaction.

### Conclusion:
Sodium metal is extracted by the electrolytic reduction of fused sodium chloride (NaCl). The correct answer is the electrolysis of fused sodium chloride.