Question

Which of the following metals are extracted by the electrolysis of their molten chlorides?

Options

• Na and Hg

• Hg and Mg

• Na and Mg

• Cu and Fe

Answer 1

Na and Mg

Explanation:

Sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg) are highly reactive metals positioned near the top of the reactivity series, meaning their compounds are very stable and cannot be reduced by carbon. To extract them in pure form, their molten chlorides (molten NaCl) and MgCl₂ must undergo electrolytic reduction. The other options are incorrect because mercury (Hg), copper (Cu), and iron (Fe) are less reactive metals that are extracted using simpler thermal or chemical reduction techniques.