6.1 Introduction to Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis
Electric current to break down an ionic compound
What is the electrolyte
The compound that is broken down by electrolysis
How do you set up an electrical circuit for electrolysis
Two electrodes that dip into the electrolyte with a gap between them. One of them is connected to the positive terminal of the power supply, (anode), the other is connected to the negative terminal, (cathode)
What is the positive terminal called
anode
What is the negative terminal called
cathode
Why might the electrodes be made of graphite
- unreactive
- good conductor
Which type of element is produced at the cathode
metal
Which type of element is produced at the anode
non - metal
What happens when the ions reach the electrodes
They lose their charge and become elements
Why do ionic compounds not conduct electricity when solid
- ions are in fixed position
- They are in a giant lattice
Why can ionic compounds when molten or melted conduct electricity
- ions are free to move
- carry their charge towards electrodes
Describe how you would test that chlorine is produced at the positive electrode
damp blue litmus paper turns red
Where do positiviley charged ions move to in electrolysis
cathode
Why can dilute sulfuric acid be added to the apparatus of electrolysis with water acid
Makes water a better conductor
How to test for oxygen
A glowing splint relights
Half equation for what is happening at the anode with electrolysis of water acid
4OH- -> 2H₂O + O₂ + 4e-
Half equation for what is happening at the cathode with electrolysis of water acid
2H+ + 2e- -> H₂
