Electrochemistry Flashcards
What is a electrode?
A conductor through which electricity enters or leaves
What are electrolytes?
Ionic compounds either molten or in solution which have been broken down by electrical energy
What is electrolysis?
- A process where ionic substances are decomposed into simpler substances when an electric current is passed through them
(When electrical energy breaks ionic bonds)
What is an ionic compound?
Any compound that contains ionic bonds
What is an ionic bond?
A transfer of electrons
Metal + Non Metal = Metal atom loses electrons to form a positive ion and the non metal gains electrons to form a negative ion
- These oppositely changed ions are strongly attracted to each other - the attraction is an ionic bond
What is a Cation?
A positively charged ion (usually metal)
What is an Anion?
A negatively charged ion (usually non-metals)
What happens to positive ions during electrolysis?
They move to the negative electrode (cathode)
What happens to negative ions during electrolysis?
They move to the positive electrode (anode)
What is a cathode?
A negative electrode which positive ions move towards
What is an anode?
A positive electrode which negative ions move towards
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons
What is reduction?
Gain of electrons
What substance forms at the anode?
Oxidation happens and gases are formed
What substance forms at the cathode?
Positive metal ions are reduced to metal atoms
