Moderate

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.

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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.

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