1.55-1.60 electrolysis Flashcards
why do covalent compounds not conduct electricity
-Electrical conductivity is the movement of charged particles.
-In this case, charged particles means either delocalised electrons or ions.
-These particles need to be free to move in a substance for that substance to be conductive.
-Covalent compounds do not conduct electricity because there are no charged particles that are free to move.
why do ionic compounds only conduct electricity when molten or in aqueous solution
-Ionic compounds only conduct electricity only when molten or in solution.
-When solid the ions are not free to move.
-When molten or in solution the ions are free to move
explain cations and cathode aswell as anions and anodes
-cations are positive ions which travel to the negative cathode
-anions are negative ions which travel to the positive anode
1.58
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what is oxidation
the loss of electrons or the gain of oxygen
what is reduction
the gain of electrons or the loss of oxygen
describe the investigation of electrolysis of aqueous solutions
-The electrolyte is an aqueous solution. For example it might be concentrated sodium chloride, NaCl (aq).
-The test tubes over the electrodes must not completely cover them to make sure the ions are free to move throughout the solution.
-In the case of NaCl (aq) bubbles of gas will be seen forming at the electrodes. These float up and collect in the test tubes when each gas can be tested to assess its identity.
what is electrolysis
The breaking down of a substance caused by passing an electric current through an ionic compound which is molten or in solution. New substances are formed.
