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Chemistry

How are the metals like sodium, potassium and calcium obtained. Give equations.

Metallurgy

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Answer

Oxides of highly active metals like sodium, potassium and calcium are obtained by electrolytic reduction of fused metallic salts (halides and oxides) using inert electrodes.

Sodium

Electrolyte : Fused sodium chloride

Reaction : NaCl ⇌ Na+ + Cl-

Reaction at cathode : Na+ + e- ⟶ Na

Reaction at anode : Cl- - e- ⟶ Cl

Cl + Cl ⟶ Cl2

Potassium

Electrolyte : Fused potassium bromide

Reaction : KBr ⇌ K+ + Br-

Reaction at cathode : K+ + e- ⟶ K

Reaction at anode : Br- - e- ⟶ Br

Br + Br ⟶ Br2

Calcium

Electrolyte : Fused calcium chloride

Reaction : CaCl2 ⇌ Ca2+ + 2Cl-

Reaction at cathode : Ca2+ + 2e- ⟶ Ca

Reaction at anode : Cl- - e- ⟶ Cl

Cl + Cl ⟶ Cl2

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