This question is about electrolysis - AQA - GCSE Chemistry - Question 6 - 2022 - Paper 1

The products of the electrolysis must be kept apart to prevent them from reacting with each other and reforming sodium chloride.

The type of particle that passes through the mesh is an:

✓ Ion

1. Hydrogen ions (H⁺)
2. Hydroxide ions (OH⁻)

The alkaline solution produced is sodium hydroxide (NaOH).

The alkaline solution is produced during the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride solution. At the negative electrode, hydrogen ions (H⁺) are discharged or reduced, gaining electrons to form hydrogen gas:

$2H^+ + 2e^- → H_2$

Simultaneously, at the positive electrode, chloride ions (Cl⁻) are discharged or oxidised, losing electrons to form chlorine gas:

$2Cl^- → Cl_2 + 2e^-$

The formation of hydroxide ions (OH⁻) happens due to water's reaction at the anode, resulting in an alkaline solution of sodium hydroxide.