C6 Flashcards
what ions do acids release in solution?
Hydrogen ions (H^+)
What ions do alkalis release in solution?
Hydroxide ions (OH^-)
what is electrolysis?
using electricity to breakdown compounds
positive electrode
anode
negative electrode
cathode
what current does electrolysis require
direct current (DC)
what is the substance that is broken down during electrolysis?
electrolyte
what compound is the electrolyte
ionic compound
what has to happen to an ionic compound to make it able to conduct electricity
has to be molten, or dissolved in water, so the ions are free to move
anions
negative ions, attracted to anodes
cations
positive ions, attracted to cathodes
what charge are the metal ions in an ionic compound
metals lose electrons and become positive
what substances form negative ions?
non-metals gain electrons and form negative ions
why is electrolysis used to extract aluminium from aluminium oxide?
aluminium is more reactive than carbon
why does the anode need replacing during the electrolysis of aluminium oxide?
it reacts with oxygen to form carbon dioxide