C6.1 Introduction to electrolysis

Question 1

What is electrolysis?

Answer 1

Using electric current to break down ionic compounds

Question 2

What is the positive electrode called?

Answer 2

Anode

Question 3

What is the negative electrode called?

Answer 3

Cathode

Question 4

Why is it important that that the substances that make up an electrode must be inert?

Answer 4

This is so the electrodes don’t react with the electrolyte or the products made in electrolysis

Question 5

Which direction do the ions move in the electrolysis of zinc chloride?

Answer 5

Zinc 2+ ions move towards the cathode

Chlorine -2 ions move towards the anode

Question 6

Why do Ionic compounds not conduct electricity when they are solid?

Answer 6

The ions are fixed in the giant ionic lattice, so the ions cannot move and carry charge towards the electrodes

Question 7

What ions are in water?

Answer 7

H+ ions and OH- ions

Question 8

What do you call the substance broken down by electrolysis?

Answer 8

The electrolyte