During the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl the product formed at cathode is?

Step-by-step solution

In the electrolysis of aqueous NaCl , the ions present in the solution are Na ⁺ , Cl ⁻ , H ⁺ , and OH ⁻ . At the cathode, reduction occurs. The competing reactions are: Na ⁺ + e⁻ Na _ (s) ( E^ = -2.71 V ) 2 H ₂ O _ (l) + 2e⁻ H _ 2(g) + 2 OH ⁻_ (aq) ( E^ = -0.83 V ) Since the standard reduction potential of water is greater than that of sodium ions, water is preferentially reduced at the cathode. Thus, hydrogen gas ( H _ 2(g) ) is liberated at the cathode. Answer: H _ 2(g)