Electrochemistry Flashcards
Q: What is electrolysis?
A: Electrolysis is the process of decomposing a substance using electricity.
Q: What is an electrolyte?
A: An electrolyte is a substance that, when dissolved in water or melted, conducts electricity.
Q: What are the electrodes in electrolysis?
A: Electrodes are the rods through which electricity enters or leaves the electrolyte. The anode is positive, and the cathode is negative.
Q: What is the process at the cathode during electrolysis?
A: Reduction occurs at the cathode. Positive ions gain electrons to become neutral atoms.
Q: What is the process at the anode during electrolysis?
A: Oxidation occurs at the anode. Negative ions lose electrons to become neutral atoms.
Q: What is the role of the electrolyte in electrolysis?
A: The electrolyte conducts the electric current and undergoes chemical change during electrolysis.
Q: What is an example of a substance that can be electrolyzed?
A: Sodium chloride (NaCl) in molten form or in aqueous solution.
Q: What products are formed during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?
A: Sodium metal is formed at the cathode, and chlorine gas is formed at the anode.
Q: What is the purpose of electroplating?
A: Electroplating is used to coat the surface of an object with a thin layer of a different metal to improve its appearance, prevent corrosion, or reduce friction.
Q: What is the difference between a galvanic cell and an electrolytic cell?
A: A galvanic cell generates electricity from spontaneous chemical reactions, while an electrolytic cell uses electricity to drive non-spontaneous chemical reactions.
Q: What is the overall equation for the electrolysis of water?
A: 2H₂O(l) → 2H₂(g) + O₂(g)
Q: How do ions move during electrolysis?
A: Cations move towards the cathode to gain electrons, and anions move towards the anode to lose electrons.
Q: What factors affect the products of electrolysis in aqueous solutions?
A: The type of electrolyte, the concentration of the electrolyte, and the nature of the electrodes.
Q: What is Faraday’s first law of electrolysis?
A: The amount of substance produced at an electrode during electrolysis is directly proportional to the quantity of electricity that passes through the electrolyte.
Q: What is Faraday’s second law of electrolysis?
A: The masses of different substances produced by the same quantity of electricity are proportional to their equivalent weights.
