Question

Why is the electrolysis of molten salts much easier to predict in terms of what occurs at the anode and cathode than the electrolysis of aqueous dissolved salts?

Short answer

More reactions can happen when water is present, which makes predictions more challenging. That’s why the electrolysis of molten salts much easier to predict in terms of what occurs at the anode and cathode than the electrolysis of aqueous dissolved salts.

Step-by-step solution

Method of electrolysis

The transformation of electrical into chemical energy is called electrolysis. If non-spontaneous reaction is occurring here then the energy can be supplied for their occurrence. These cells can have both cathode and anode.

Electrolysis of molten salt

There are two chances either it get oxidized or reduced in electrolysis of molten salt. These species are chlorine and sodium.

Electrolysis of aqueous salt

We must take into account the oxidation and reduction of water as possible reactions that might happen when ${\text{H}}_{\text{2}}\text{O}$ is present, as is the case when aqueous solutions are electrolyzed. Predictions get more challenging when water is present because more reactions may occur.