C5 Electricity and Chemistry Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
The breakdown of an ionic compound when molten or in aqueous solution by the passage of electricity.
Electrodes
A metal strip that conducts electricity.
Electric Conductor
A material which allows an electrical current to pass through it easily.
Inert Electrode
Electrodes need to be inert so that they do not react with the electrolyte.
Electrolyte
A substance which, when molten or in solution, will conduct an electric current.
Anode
The positive electrode during electrolysis.
Cathode
The negative electrode during electrolysis.
Cation
Positive Ion that goes to the cathode.
Anion
Negative Ion that goes to the anode.
Litmus paper
A type of indicator that can be red or blue. Red litmus turns blue in alkalis, while blue litmus turns red in acids.
Ore
A rock containing enough quantities of a mineral for extraction to be possible.
Reactivity series
A list of elements in order of their reactivity, usually from most reactive to least reactive.
Corrosion
The destruction of a metal by oxidation or chemical action, for example, rusting.
Aqueous solution (aq)
A solution in which the solvent is water.
Oxidation
Loss of electrons, occurs at positive anode
Reduction
Gain of electrons, occurs at negative cathode
Inert electrode
Electrodes are usually made of carbon, which is inert, and do no not undergo any chemical change during the electrolysis.
Electrolytic cell
A beaker with an electrolyte, 2 electrodes, a power supply and leads which changes electrical energy into chemical energy
Oxidizing agent
A chemical which oxidises another chemical; it loses oxygen/gains electrons and becomes reduced
Sacrificial protection
protecting metal from corrosion by attaching it to a less reactive metal
Galvanization
The process of protecting metals by coating them with a thin layer of zinc
Test for hydrogen gas
Makes a squeaky pop with a lighted splint
