Which reduction reaction occurs at the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution?

Step-by-step solution

At the cathode there is competition between the following reduction reactions:Na+ (aq) + e- → Na (s) (E o cell = – 2.71 V)H+(aq) + e- → ½ H 2 (g)(E o cell= 0.00 V) The reaction with higher value of Eo is preferred and therefore, the reaction at the cathode during electrolysis is: H+ (aq) + e- → ½ H2 (g) ( but H+ (aq) is produced by the dissociation of H2O), i.e., H 2 O (l ) → H+ (aq) + OH- (aq).