Electrochemistry Flashcards
What is Electrolysis? (3)
- The decomposition
- of electrolytes
- using electricity
What are Electrolytes (3)
- An ionic liquid or solution
- that conducts electricity
- and is decomposed during electrolysis
What is the name of a positive electrode?
Anode
What is the name of a negative electrode?
Cathode
What is the pneumonic for remembering the charge of each electrode?
Positive electrode
Anode
Negative
Is
Cathode
Why is heat applied to an electrolyte during electrolysis? (2)
In order to change the
- solid ionic compound into a liquid
- where the ions are free to move and carry a charge
Give two half equations which demonstrate electrolysis in
LiCl
- Li+ + e- —> Li
- 2Cl- —> Cl2 + 2e-
What state are metals after electrolysis generally?
Liquid, usually a grey colour as well
What electrode are anions and cations attracted to?
-
anion (negative ion) - anode (positive electrode)
An-an -
cation (positive ion) - Cathode (negative electrode)
Cat-cat
In both cases:
- both are oppositely charged
- electrostatic attraction pulls them together
What is the common name for aluminium ore?
Bauxite
When do Metals require electrolysis to extract
If they are more reactive than carbon, or react with carbon
In the electrolysis of Lithium Chloride, what electrode are the Li+ and Cl- ions attracted to?
- Li+ —> Cathode
- Cl- —> Anode
Give 2 Reasons electrolysis requires lots of energy
- To melt the compound
- to produce the electrical current
What is the Mixture used in electrolysis of aluminium
- Cryolite
- Aluminium oxide
What apparatus is used in the electrolysis of Lead Bromide and Lithium Chloride (7)
- a power source
- evaporating basin or crucible
- tripod
- gauze
- heat source
- bulb on negative side of circuit
- the actual electrolyte
Why is Cryolite added to bauxite?
- To lower the melting point of aluminium oxide and
- increase its electrical conductivity
Why is there a bulb in the circuit of electrolysis equipment?
If the circuit is complete, the bulb lights up