Electrochemistry

Question 1

What is electrolysis?

Answer 1

Breakdown of an ionic compound (molten or aqueous solution) by passage of electricity

Question 2

Electrode?

Answer 2

Rod of metal or graphite —>leads an electric current to or from an electrolyte

Question 3

Anode?

Answer 3

Positive electrode

Question 4

Cathode?

Answer 4

Negative electrode

Question 5

Electrolyte?

Answer 5

Ionic compound which conducts electricity when molten or dissolved in water

Question 6

At which electrode does oxidation occur?

Answer 6

Anode

Question 7

Which side of battery in electrolysis pulls electrons in

Answer 7

Positive

Question 8

Which electrode does reduction occur at?

Answer 8

Cathode

Question 9

Why does the electrolyte need to be in liquid form for electrolysis to work?

Answer 9

Because it is the free ions that carry the current through the liquid

Question 10

When using inert electrodes: will metals for, at negative or positive electrode?

Answer 10

Negative because they are positive ions

Question 11

What is always the anode product?

Answer 11

Non-metals other than hydrogen

Question 12

When refining copper what is the anode made of?

Answer 12

Impure copper

Question 13

When refining copper what is the electrolyte?

Answer 13

Copper(II) sulphate solution + sulphuric acid

Question 14

When refining copper what is the cathode made of?

Answer 14

Pure copper

Question 15

What happens at anode during refining copper

Answer 15

Copper atoms at anode lose electrons and form Cu^2+ ions that go into solution

Cu–>Cu2+ + 2e-

Question 16

What is electroplating?

Answer 16

Coating the surface of 1 metal w. Layer of another by electrolytic reaction