When comparing the electrolysis of molten NaF and that of a 1.0 M aqueous solution of NaF, which one of the following statements is correct? A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 16 - 2008 - Paper 1

In the electrolysis of molten NaF, the ions present are Na⁺ and F^-. At the cathode, Na⁺ ions are reduced to form sodium metal, while at the anode, F^- ions are oxidized to form fluorine gas. In the case of the aqueous solution of NaF, the presence of water introduces H⁺ and OH^- ions. Here, at the cathode, H⁺ ions are typically reduced to form hydrogen gas rather than Na⁺. At the anode, OH^- ions may oxidize to form oxygen gas instead of fluorine. Consequently, the products at both electrodes differ between the two cells, confirming that both the products at the cathodes and the anodes are different.