To accurately determine which statement best describes the reaction during the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid (HCl) to form hydrogen gas (H2) and chlorine gas (Cl2), we need to consider the energy changes that occur during this process.
In electrolysis, energy is supplied to break the bonds in the reactants (HCl), which absorbs energy. As the reaction proceeds, bonds form in the products (H2 and Cl2). The energy released during the formation of these bonds is known as bond energy.
Typically, during endothermic reactions like electrolysis, the energy required to break the bonds in the reactants is greater than the energy released during the formation of the products. Therefore, the bond energies related to both reactants and products will factor significantly into this understanding.
From the options available, the correct statement would be:
The formation of the products releases bond energy, and this energy is less than the energy that is absorbed by the reactants.
This option appropriately reflects the process of electrolysis where energy is absorbed to break down the reactants, and the energy released during product formation is not sufficient to compensate for this energy input.
1 answer