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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 Jul 08 2026.
Originally posted Jul 08 2026 9:07 PM.

ceetee

Answer has 0 votes

ceetee

21 year member
457 replies avatar

Answer has 0 votes.

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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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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