Electrolysis

Question 1

What is electrolysis?

Answer 1

The process where ionic substances are broken down into smaller atoms by gaining or losing electrons
Uses electrodes

Question 2

Can electrolysis happen on covalent particles?

Answer 2

No, because for electrons to pass through them and gain/lose an electron they have to have a charge
Covalent bonds contain neutral atoms so they cannot do this.

Question 3

What happens during electrolysis?

Answer 3

The negatively charged ions go to the anode (positively charged) and lose electrons to become oxidised
The positively charged ions, metals, go to the negative cathode and gain electrons to become reduced
As a result, atoms are produced

Question 4

When can electrolysis occur?

Answer 4

If the ionic compounds is molten or dissolved in water, since only then are the ions free to conduct electricity

Question 5

How does being dissolved in water affect electrolysis?

Answer 5

Because H₂O molecules ionise into H+ and OH- ions that may affect what occurs at each electrode, depending on the compounds

Question 6

What will be produced at the cathode if the solution is aqueos?

Answer 6

If the metal is less reactive than hydrogen, the metal will be produced
If the metal is more reactive than hydrogen, hydrogen is produced

Question 7

What will be produced at the anode if the solution is aqueos?

Answer 7

Usually, oxygen and water is produced
However, if the solution contains halogen molecules then the halogen (group 7) will be produced at the anode
This includes chloride, bromide and iodide

Question 8

Electrolyte

Answer 8

Substance broken down in electrolysis (usually ionic compound)