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If a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid is electrolysed, what gas will be produced at the anod Answer in words not symbols.

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If a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid is electrolysed, what gas will be produced at the anod
Answer in words not symbols.

If a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid is electrolysed, what gas will be produced at the anod Answer in words not symbols.

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ValaElite · Tutor for 8 years

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The gas produced at the anode will be Chlorine.

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Let's briefly understand what an electrolysis process includes. Electrolysis is the process of separating substances by applying an electric current. In a solution, the substance that gets oxidized or losses electrons is derived towards the anode, which is the positive electrode.<br /><br />Now back to the question, when a dilute solution of hydrochloric acid (HCl) undergoes electrolysis, an aqueous solution of ions is formed. This includes H+ ions from the acid and Cl- ions from the chloride ion of the acid, plus the water will also split up into H+ and OH- ions.<br /><br />On observing closely, here is what happens at both the electrodes (anode and cathode):<br /><br />1. At the cathode: H+ ions are reduced (they gain electrons) to form Hydrogen gas (H2), so Hydrogen gas should be seen at the cathode.<br /><br />2. At the anode: Cl- ions are oxidized (they lose electrons). Hence, as Oxidation always occurs at the anode, Cl- ions lose electrons to become Chlorine gas (Cl2). Therefore, Chlorine gas will be produced at the anode. <br /><br />This should summarize the electrolysis of a dilute Hydrochloric acid quite clearly. Thus, the produced gas at the anode is Chlorine.
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