
home	student log-in	Join AUS-e-TUTE	teacher log-in	contact

Down's Cell for the Production of Sodium

Key Concepts

Sodium metal can be extracted electrolytically from molten (fused) sodium chloride using a Down's Cell.
Calcium chloride or sodium carbonate is added to reduce the melting point of sodium chloride.
Electrolysis of molten (fused) sodium chloride produces sodium metal and chlorine gas.
In the Down's Cell a circular iron cathode surrounds the carbon anode and the products of the electrolysis are separated by steel mesh or gauze to prevent them coming into contact and reforming sodium chloride.
The amount of sodium produced can be calculated using Faraday's Laws of Electrolysis.

Down's Cell Example

Become an AUS-e-TUTE Member and get the full tutorial.

AUS-e-TUTE Membership Advantages

Search this Site

You can search this site using a key term or a concept to find tutorials, tests, exams, learning activities (games), drills, worksheet and quiz wizards.