5.5 Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
breaking down a compound using electricity
What are the two electrodes?
anode
cathode
What is the positive electrode called?
anode
What is the negative electrode called?
cathode
What is an anode?
positive electrode
What is a cathode?
negative electrode
What are electrodes made of?
inert metals that conduct electricity
Give examples of solids used for electrodes
platinum
graphite
What is the electrolyte?
substance to be broken down
What is the substance to be broken down?
electrolyte
What are positive ions called?
cations
What are negative ions called?
anions
What does electrolysis of molten compounds produce?
elements
What are the two halves to electrolysis?
anode half
cathode half
What happens at the anode?
non metals lose electrons to form molecules
What happens at the cathode?
metal ions gain electrons to form atoms
What are the two types of electrolysis?
molten electrolysis
aqueous electrolysis
How does aqueous electrolysis work?
water molecules break apart to form H+ and OH-
What happens if the anion is a hallide?
that element is produced
What happens if the anion is not a hallide?
oxygen is produced
What happens if the cation is less reactive than hydrogen?
hydrogen is produced
What happens if the cation is more reactive than hydrogen?
that element is produced
What are the positive ions attracted to?
cathode
What are the negative ions attracted to?
anode
