Difference between.... (1 Viewer)

[Reikira]

What is the difference between Molten NaCl & Aqueous NaCl?

 

[HyperComplexxx]

WHen talking about electrolysis.
Molten NaCl only has two possible reactions, Oxidation of Cl- and Reudction of Na+
Aqueous NaCl has four possible reactions, Oxidation of Cl- and H20 and Reduction of Na+ and H20
In other words, molten solutions do not contain water so you ignore it when writing oxidation/reduction equation

 

[timting95]

So i'm assuming we're talking about it in terms of the products of electrolysis?

Well if that's the case because there's only Na+ and Cl- ions in molten NaCl these are the only ions that will be oxidised and reduced
2Cl- -------> Cl2 + 2e-
Na+ + e- -----> Na

For aqueous NaCl it's split into concentrated and dilute NaCl and the products are different...

Now that i'm reading your question again, i think you actually what's the actual difference.

NaCl only contains Na+ and Cl- ions, aqueous NaCl contains Na+, Cl- and H2O

 

[Reikira]

Ahh thanks now i know