Why is chlorine gas a product of nacl electrolysis? a. the cl- ions become oxidized at the cathode allowing them to form cl2 molecules. b. the cl+ ions become reduced at the anode allowing them to form cl2 molecules. c. the na+ ions react to the anode, releasing the cl- ions with enough energy to change into a gas. d. the na- ions react to the cathode, releasing the cl+ ions with enough energy to change into a gas.

A. The Cl- ions become oxidized at the cathode allowing them to form Cl2 molecules.

Explanation:

At the anode in an electrolytic cell oxidation occurs.

In the electrolysis of NaCl, at the anode both Cl⁻ and OH⁻ migrates here.

Cl⁻ is preferentially discharged and it undergoes oxidation as shown below:

2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻

We see a loss of electron and change in oxidation number of Cl from -1 to 0

Chlorine gas is liberated in this electrode.