GATE 2024 Chemical Engineering, Q28 · Chemical Technology
The correct answers are A. A membrane cell operates at a higher brine concentration than a diaphragm cell.; C. Hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode.; D. The caustic product stream exits the cathode compartment..
Question
For the electrolytic cell in a chlor-alkali plant, which of the following statements is/are correct?
Official answer: A. A membrane cell operates at a higher brine concentration than a diaphragm cell.; C. Hydrogen gas is produced at the cathode.; D. The caustic product stream exits the cathode compartment.
Why
GATE 2024 official key: (A, C, D). Membrane cells use more concentrated, purer brine than diaphragm cells (A). Chlorine is evolved at the anode, not the cathode, making (B) false. Hydrogen and caustic soda are both produced/collected at the cathode compartment (C, D true).
Explanation cross-checked for consistency. Final answer matches the official IIT answer key.