Which term describes the process where galvanic current converts salt water to sodium hydroxide?

• A. Electrolysis
• B. Desiccation
• C. Eutectic
• D. Photothermolysis

Answer: (A)

Electrolysis is the process being tested. When a galvanic (direct) current is passed through a saltwater solution, electrical energy drives a chemical reaction that wouldn’t occur on its own. At the cathode, water is reduced to hydrogen gas and hydroxide ions; those hydroxide ions pair with sodium ions present to form sodium hydroxide in the solution. At the anode, chloride ions are oxidized to chlorine gas. The net result is that the salt water is converted into sodium hydroxide along with hydrogen and chlorine byproducts. This is the classic electrochemical transformation produced by applying electrical energy to an electrolyte.

Other terms don’t fit this scenario: desiccation means drying out; eutectic relates to melting points of a mixture; photothermolysis involves using light to heat and destroy tissue.