C3.4 Electrolysis Flashcards
Electrolysis
Process where electric current is passed through a compound causing a chemical change
Also splits ionic compounds
Electrolyte - compound in its liquid state or in solution that can conduct electricity and contains mobile ions
2 electrodes made form metal or graphite to conduct electricity to the electrolyte:
Negative cathode
Positive anode
Electrical supply such as a power pack or battery
Negative electrode
Cathode
Positive electrode
Anode
What happens to positive ions during electrolysis
Gain electrons at cathode and become atoms
What happens to negative ions during electrolysis
Lose electrons at anode and become atoms
What might happen if atoms formed in electrolysis are non metal atoms
Covalent bonds will form between them, making molecules
Positive ions electrolysis name
Cations
Negative ions electrolysis name
Anions
Binary ionic compound
Contains only 2 elements
Discharged
When ions become atoms or molecules at an electrode
Inert electrodes
Don’t change during electrolysis
Made from unreactive metals such as copper and platinum, or graphite
Used for many ionic compounds in their liquid state or aqueous solution
What happens during the electrolysis of water
H2O(l) ⇌ H+(aq) + OH-(aq)
Hydrogen ions discharged at cathode, in gas state
Hydroxide ions discharged at the anode, forming water and oxygen in its gas state
Electroplating
Type of electolysis that uses non inert electrodes
They change during the electrolysis
Anode loses mass
Cathode gains mass
What is cathode in electroplating
The object to coat
What is anode in electroplating
Piece of the metal to coat with