5.5 ELECTROLYSIS Flashcards
Define electrolysis
The breaking down of a compound using electricity
What properties must electrodes have
Inert and a soild that conducts electricity
What properties must electrodes have
Inert and a soild that conducts electricity
What are common electrodes
Graphite (cheap) or platinum (expensive)
What is the positive electrode
Anode
What is the negative electrode
Cathode
What is an electrolyte
The substance that is being broken down
What is attracted to the cathode
Cations
What is attracted to the anode
Anions
How does electrolysis happen in molten solutions
The anions move to the anode, and cations to the cathode
What elements is made at the anode of aqueous electrolysis
- The halide ion
- Oxygen + 2Water +4e- (from 4OH-)
What elements are made at the cathode of aqueous electrolysis
- Metal that is less reactive than hydrogen
- Hydrogen gas
Define electrolysis
The breaking down of a compound using electricity