Electrochemistry

[going2breakdown]

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A galvanic cell is constructed that has a zinc anode immersed in a Zn(NO3)2 solution and a platinum cathode immersed in an NaCl solution equilibrated with Cl2 gas at 1 atm and 25 degrees centigrade. A salt bridge connects the two half cells.😡


Apparently chlorine is getting reduced. However, couldn't Na+ become Na solid and accumulate on the cathode? How do I know that chlorine gas is forming instead of solid sodium??

 

[milski]

Solid sodium react rather enthusiastically with water. That should be a good hint that Na prefers to stay oxidized.