Chemistry 10th Edition

Published by Brooks/Cole Publishing Co.
ISBN 10: 1133610668
ISBN 13: 978-1-13361-066-3

Chapter 28 - Some Nonmetals and Metalloids - Exercises - Conceptual Exercises - Page 1083: 72

Answer

Elemental chlorine is produced by the electrolysis of molten NaCl in the Downs Cell. The other product is sodium metal. The products must be separated because the reaction between metallic Na and gaseous Cl$_{2}$ is very rapid, spontaneous, and explosive. The product, Cl$_{2}$, is poisonous. Elemental fluorine, a corrosive and poisonous gas, is produced by the electrolysis of KHF$_{2}$, a molten mixture of KF and HF. This can be additionally dangerous because gaseous H$_{2}$ is also produced which is very explosive.

Work Step by Step

Elemental chlorine is produced by the electrolysis of molten NaCl in the Downs Cell. The other product is sodium metal. The products must be separated because the reaction between metallic Na and gaseous Cl$_{2}$ is very rapid, spontaneous, and explosive. The product, Cl$_{2}$, is poisonous. Elemental fluorine, a corrosive and poisonous gas, is produced by the electrolysis of KHF$_{2}$, a molten mixture of KF and HF. This can be additionally dangerous because gaseous H$_{2}$ is also produced which is very explosive.
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