Question

During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, the chloride ions get oxidised at anode in preference to water due to ______.

Answer 1

During the electrolysis of an aqueous solution of sodium chloride, the chloride ions get oxidised at anode in preference to water due to over voltage.

Explanation:

Although water has a higher standard electrode potential for oxidation, the evolution of oxygen gas from water requires extra energy, called over voltage. Because of this, chloride ions (which need less over voltage) are oxidised preferentially, releasing chlorine gas at the anode.