When molten NaCl is electrolysed by using inert electrode, the product obtained al cathode is

Options

A. Na
B. `Cl_2`
C. `H_2`
D. Na Hg amalgam

Answer

To solve the question regarding the product obtained at the cathode when molten NaCl is electrolyzed using inert electrodes, we can follow these steps:

### Step-by-Step Solution:

1. **Understanding Electrolysis**:
- Electrolysis is the process of chemical decomposition that occurs when an electric current is passed through an electrolyte, resulting in the movement of ions.

2. **Identifying the Electrolyte**:
- In this case, the electrolyte is molten sodium chloride (NaCl). When NaCl is heated to a high temperature, it melts and dissociates into its constituent ions: sodium ions (Na⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻).

3. **Identifying the Electrodes**:
- During electrolysis, there are two electrodes: the anode (positive electrode) and the cathode (negative electrode). Inert electrodes do not participate in the chemical reaction but provide a surface for the reactions to occur.

4. **Movement of Ions**:
- The sodium ions (Na⁺), being cations, are attracted to the cathode (negative electrode). The chloride ions (Cl⁻), being anions, are attracted to the anode (positive electrode).

5. **Reduction at the Cathode**:
- At the cathode, a reduction reaction occurs. The sodium ions (Na⁺) gain electrons (reduction) to form sodium metal (Na):
\[ \text{Na}^+ + e^- \rightarrow \text{Na} \]

6. **Oxidation at the Anode**:
- At the anode, the chloride ions (Cl⁻) lose electrons (oxidation) to form chlorine gas (Cl₂):
\[ 2 \text{Cl}^- \rightarrow \text{Cl}_2 + 2e^- \]

7. **Conclusion**:
- The product obtained at the cathode during the electrolysis of molten NaCl is sodium metal (Na).

### Final Answer:
The product obtained at the cathode when molten NaCl is electrolyzed using inert electrodes is **sodium (Na)**.