Chemistry F - Electrolysis

Question 1

Required practical (Electrolysis of NaCl) Aqueous solution

Answer 1

When NaCl is dissolved in water we obtain Na + and Cl -
We would expect to obtain pure sodium at the cathode, however sodium is more reactive than hydrogen, so we would expect hydrogen to form.
But chorine is a halogen so oxygen is formed.

Question 2

What is Electrolysis?

Answer 2

The breakdown of an ionic compound using electricity.

Question 3

What happens at the Anode and Cathode

Answer 3

At the anode, anions are attracted to the positive electrode and lose electrons to produce elements.
At the cathode, cations are attracted to the negative electrode and gain electrons.

Question 4

Required practical (Electrolysis of ZnCl2) Molten

Answer 4

When zinc chloride is melted, the ions which make it up become free to move. The Zn2+ will travel to the cathode and the Cl- will travel to the anode.
Pure zinc metal will be produced at the cathode and chlorine will be produced at the anode.