Electrochemistry

Question 1

Point of Electrolysis

Answer 1

• Process of passing an electric current through an electrolyte to decompose it and separate it into its elemental constituents
• Helps extract reactive metals

Question 2

Electrolyte

Answer 2

• Molten Ionic Binary compound
• Can only conduct electricity which ionic crystal lattice is broken and the ions are free to move around and act as charge carriers to conduct electricity
• Since it is IONIC it only conducts in molten state/aq

Question 3

Cathode

Answer 3

• Connected to negative terminal
• Attracts cations
• Reduction happens here to become a neutral atom

Question 4

Anode

Answer 4

• Connected to positive terminal
• Attracts anions
• oxidised here into neutral atom

Question 5

Flow of electricity in a electrolytic cell

Answer 5

Caused by the movement of electrons from ANODE to CATHODE

Question 6

Process in an electrolytic Cell

Answer 6

1. Anions in electrolyte attracted to anode. It is oxidised, meaning it loses electrons
2. These lost electrons from the anode, move to the cathode, forming the electric current
3. These electrons help in the process of reduction in the cathode, where the cations are attracted to, to form neutral atoms

Question 7

Elements of an electrolytic cell

Answer 7

1. Power supply
2. Electrolyte
3. Electrode

Question 8

What is an electrode

Answer 8

Electrical Conductor

Question 9

type of charge carriers in inner and outer circuits

Answer 9

Inner - Mobile Ions
Outer - Electrons

Question 10

Common electrodes, and why? + disadvantages

Answer 10

Graphite
Advantages
1. Good Conductor of Electricity
2. Inert, meaning that it does not take part in the electrolysis reaction
3. High MP
Disadvantages
1. Reacts w O2 to form CO2, and thus might need to be periodically replaced

Platinum
Advantages
1. good Conductor of electricity
2. inert, meaning that it does not take part in the electrolysis reaction
Disadvatnages
1. Low MP compared to graphite Might melt when in contact w molten ionic compound