Here are some JAMB-style multiple choice questions on the extraction of sodium (Na), focusing on the
Down's cell process, its principles, and properties of sodium.
Questions
In the Down's cell, sodium is extracted by the electrolysis of:
A) Molten sodium chloride
B) Aqueous sodium chloride
C) Sodium chloride solution
D) Sodium hydroxide
Answer: A) Molten sodium chloride
Which of the following substances is added to lower the melting point of sodium chloride during the
extraction of sodium?
A) Potassium chloride
B) Calcium chloride
C) Magnesium chloride
D) Iron chloride
Answer: B) Calcium chloride
At what temperature does sodium chloride melt when calcium chloride is added?
A) 801°C
B) 1000°C
C) 600°C
D) 500°C
Answer: C) 600°C
In the Down’s cell, chlorine gas is collected at the:
A) Cathode
B) Anode
C) Electrolyte
D) Both electrodes
Answer: B) Anode
The electrolyte used in the Down’s cell for sodium extraction is a mixture of:
A) Sodium hydroxide and calcium oxide
B) Molten sodium chloride and calcium chloride
C) Sodium chloride and potassium chloride
D) Sodium chloride and calcium oxide
Answer: B) Molten sodium chloride and calcium chloride
During electrolysis in the Down’s cell, sodium ions are reduced at the:
A) Cathode
B) Anode
C) Both electrodes
D) Electrolyte
Answer: A) Cathode
The overall reaction for the extraction of sodium in the Down's cell is:
A)
𝑁
𝑎
NaCl→Na
+Cl
B)
)
→
2NaCl(l)→2Na(s)+Cl
(g)
C)
𝑎
𝑞
NaCl(aq)→Na(s)+Cl
(g)
D)
→
𝑁
NaCl→NaOH+HCl
Answer: B)
)
+
2NaCl(l)→2Na(s)+Cl
(g)
What is the role of calcium chloride in the extraction of sodium?
A) It increases the temperature
B) It acts as a catalyst
C) It reduces the melting point of sodium chloride
D) It serves as the electrolyte
Answer: C) It reduces the melting point of sodium chloride
Which of the following is the product formed at the anode during the extraction of sodium?
A) Sodium metal
B) Sodium hydroxide
C) Chlorine gas
D) Hydrogen gas
Answer: C) Chlorine gas
Which of the following describes the process at the cathode in the Down’s cell?
A) Sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal
B) Sodium chloride is oxidized to sodium gas
C) Sodium metal reacts with chlorine gas
D) Chlorine ions are reduced to chlorine gas
Answer: A) Sodium ions are reduced to sodium metal
Why is molten sodium chloride used instead of aqueous sodium chloride in the Down’s cell?
A) To avoid the formation of hydrogen gas at the anode
B) Water would react with sodium
C) Sodium cannot be reduced from its aqueous solution
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
The half-equation for the reduction process in the Down's cell is:
A)
+
2
Cl
→Cl
+2e
B)
Na
+e
−
→Na
C)
NaCl→Na+Cl
D)
+
𝑒
Na→Na
+e
Answer: B)
Na
+e
→Na
What is the major disadvantage of using the Down’s cell for sodium extraction?
A) High cost of electricity
B) Sodium is too reactive
C) Difficulty in purifying chlorine gas
D) Inability to lower the melting point of NaCl
Answer: A) High cost of electricity
The main reason why calcium chloride is used in the extraction of sodium is to:
A) Purify sodium chloride
B) Make the electrolyte more conductive
C) Prevent chlorine gas from reacting with sodium
D) Lower the melting point of sodium chloride
Answer: D) Lower the melting point of sodium chloride
In the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, the electrolyte must be kept molten to:
A) Ensure the mobility of ions
B) Increase the reactivity of sodium
C) Prevent the formation of sodium oxide
D) Ensure sodium does not react with water
Answer: A) Ensure the mobility of ions
What happens to the sodium produced in the Down's cell?
A) It sinks to the bottom of the cell
B) It floats on top of the molten electrolyte
C) It reacts with chlorine gas immediately
D) It evaporates
Answer: B) It floats on top of the molten electrolyte
The Down's cell operates at a temperature of around:
A) 200°C
B) 600°C
C) 800°C
D) 1000°C
Answer: B) 600°C
Which of the following explains why the Down's cell uses molten sodium chloride?
A) To prevent water from decomposing
B) To lower the energy needed for electrolysis
C) To allow sodium and chlorine to be easily separated
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Which of the following metals is commonly extracted using the Down’s cell?
A) Calcium
B) Magnesium
C) Sodium
D) Potassium
Answer: C) Sodium
What is the primary industrial use of sodium produced in the Down's cell?
A) Production of chlorine
B) Production of sodium hydroxide
C) Manufacture of glass
D) Metal refining and synthesis of sodium compounds
Answer: D) Metal refining and synthesis of sodium compounds
