4.1 Electrolysis Flashcards
Define electrolysis
Electrolysis is the decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by an electric current being passed through.
What is the anode in an electrolytic cell?
The anode is the positively charged electrode, attracting negatively charged ions towards it.
What is the cathode in an electrolytic cell?
The cathode is the negatively charged electrode, attracting positively charged ions towards it.
What is an electrolyte?
An electrolyte is an ionic compound in the molten or aqueous state that undergoes electrolysis.
What happens during the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide?
Pb2+ ions are attracted to the cathode and gain electrons to form Pb atoms; Br– ions are attracted to the anode and lose electrons to form Br2 molecules.
What do you observe during the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide?
Lead metal forms at the cathode and bromine gas forms at the anode.
What ions are attracted to the cathode during the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride?
Na+ ions and H+ ions are attracted to the cathode.
What is produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride?
Hydrogen gas (H2) is produced.
What is produced at the anode during the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride?
Chlorine gas (Cl2) is produced.
What happens at the cathode during the electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid?
H+ ions gain electrons and become hydrogen gas (H2).
What happens at the anode during the electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid?
OH– ions lose electrons and form oxygen gas and water.
What is formed at the cathode during the electrolysis of a binary compound in molten state?
A metal will form at the cathode.
What is formed at the anode during the electrolysis of a binary compound in molten state?
A non-metal will form at the anode.
What is the purpose of electroplating?
Improving appearance and resistance to corrosion.
What is the cathode in an electroplating process?
The object that needs electroplating.
What is the function of the anode in electroplating?
The anode is made of the plating metal.
What are the charge carriers in the external circuit during electrolysis?
Electrons are the charge carriers in the external circuit.
What are the charge carriers in the electrolyte during electrolysis?
Ions are the charge carriers in the electrolyte.
What happens to cations at the cathode during electrolysis?
Cations gain electrons.
What happens to anions at the anode during electrolysis?
Anions lose electrons.
What is produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using inert electrodes?
Copper metal is produced.
What is produced at the anode during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using inert electrodes?
Oxygen gas is produced.
What happens to the anode when using copper electrodes in the electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate?
The copper anode dissolves and releases Cu2+ ions into the electrolyte.
What ions are attracted to the anode during the electrolysis of a halide compound in aqueous solution?
OH– ions and halide ions are attracted.
