Downs cell is used to prepare_________________?
Correct answer: C. Sodium metal
- A. Sodium carbonate
- B. Sodium bicarbonate
- C. Sodium metal
- D. Sodium hydroxide
Explanation
The Downs cell electrolyses molten sodium chloride to produce sodium metal at the cathode and chlorine gas at the anode. Molten NaCl is used because aqueous sodium chloride would preferentially produce hydrogen at the cathode. Students may choose sodium hydroxide because brine electrolysis produces NaOH, but that is the diaphragm-cell process, not the Downs cell.
Report an error
The more specific you are, the faster it gets fixed. A source beats an opinion.
Prefer email? [email protected]
About Reactions of Group I Elements
Group I elements have one valence electron, so their reactivity increases down the group as ionisation energy decreases. Their reactions with water, oxygen, hydrogen and halogens produce hydroxides, oxides, hydrides and halides, while the behaviour of lithium differs from the heavier metals because of its small ionic size.
Practise s-Block and p-Block Elements
1,359 free s-Block and p-Block Elements MCQs from Chemistry, each with the correct answer and an explanation. Unlimited attempts, no account needed.
Discussion
Stuck on an option, or know a faster way to get there? Ask or explain it here.
No comments yet. Be the first to explain this one.
Exams that ask Chemistry questions like this
Chemistry is on 14 papers prepared for on TestUstad, and all of them draw the same bank, so this question is worth knowing for every one of them.
More Reactions of Group I Elements questions
Ammonia may be prepared by heating ammonium chloride with_______________?
In diaphragm cell level of brine in anode compartment is kept slightly higher which prevents_______________?
NaOH is named as caustic soda because________________?
Carbonates of lithium are not stable like that of sodium due to________________?
Li is different from its family members due to____________________?
Formula of Chile saltpetre is__________________?