Hydrogen and oxygen are the two elements that make up water, and they can be separated by electrolysis. Another compound with only two elements is common salt, but can that be separated into sodium and chlorine?

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Hydrogen and oxygen are the two elements that make up water, and they can be separated by electrolysis. Another compound with only two elements is common salt, but can that be separated into sodium and chlorine?

Question #152502. Asked by ozzz2002.
Last updated Aug 01 2026.
Originally posted Jul 08 2026 9:07 PM.

ceetee

Answer has 3 votes

Currently Best Answer

ceetee

21 year member
457 replies avatar

Answer has 3 votes.

Currently voted the best answer.

Yes it can, although different products result if the electrolysis is carried out on molten sodium chloride or an aqueous solution (brine).

https://chem.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Introductory_Chemistry/Introductory_Chemistry_(CK-12)/23%3A_Electrochemistry/23.10%3A_Electrolysis_of_Molten_Salts_and_Electrolysis_of_Brine
It should also be noted that electrolysis of many ionic compounds is possible.

https://www.thesciencehive.co.uk/electrolysis-aqa

Jul 08 2026, 10:20 PM

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Answer 1

To add to the above answer...

What two substances can be separated from table salt?

Table salt can be separated into sodium and chlorine. Sodium is explosive. Chlorine is a gas that can kill people. What can be concluded from the statements above?

https://profoundqa.com/can-sodium-and-chlorine-be-separated-from-nacl/

Hydrogen and oxygen are the two elements that make up water, and they can be separated by electrolysis. Another compound with only two elements is common salt, but can that be separated into sodium and chlorine?

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