C3.4 - Electrolysis Flashcards
what is electrolysis the process of?
- breakdown of a liquid during the conduction of electricity
- process in which an electric current is passed through a compound, causing a chemical change
what is required for electrolysis to happen?
current to flow
what is the electrolyte?
ionic compounds that dissolve in water to make a solution that conducts electricity
why are electrolytes able to conduct electricity?
the ions are able to move around (when an ionic compound is dissolved)
where do positively charged ions move to when a voltage is applied?
cathode electrode
where do negatively charged ions move to when a voltage is applied?
anode electrode
what charge does the anode have?
A-NO (so opposite)
Positive
what charge does the cathode have?
negative
what happens when an ion touches an electrode?
electrons are transferred (producing elements/whole atoms)
what happens when voltage is applied across an electrolyte?
charged ions are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes
what is convection?
the process in which ions in the electrolyte move to replace discharged ions
what do water molecules in solutions split up to form?
H+ ions (hydrogen)
OH- ions (hydroxide)
what does the product formed at the cathode depend on?
reactivity of the metal
what does the product formed at the anode depend on?
if halide ions are present
if halide ions are present at the anode what happens?
the halogen is produced
what happens if halide ions are absent at the anode?
oxygen is produced