Electrolysis Flashcards
What is the definition of an electric current?
The flow of electrons.
Do covalent compounds have charged particles?
No, as they consist of atoms or molecules that are electrically neutral.
Can covalent compounds conduct electricity?
No, not even if they are melted or dissolved in water.
When can ionic compounds conduct electricity?
When the ionic compound in molten or dissolved in water.
Electrolysis definition?
Decomposition/breakdown of an ionic compound, molten or in aqueous solutions, by the passage of electricity.
What is an electrolyte?
A liquid that contains ions/charges
What type of substances are electrolytes?
Molten or dissolved ionic compounds
What are electrodes?
Rods of carbon graphite or a metal through which the current enters and leaves the electrolyte.
What is the cathode?
The negative electrode
What is the anode?
The positive electrode.
Definition of inert?
Do not get involved in the reaction.
Definition of reactive?
They are part of the reaction.
Electrodes can be….
Inert or reactive
