Electrolysis

Question 1

What is electrolysis

Answer 1

The process by which an electric current is passed through a substance to split ionic compounds

Question 2

Where can electrolysis be carried out

Answer 2

It can only be carried out in molten or dissolved ionic compounds because it requires free ions to move and conduct electricity. This is why it can only be done in solution or a liquid (molten) state.

Question 3

What happens during electrolysis of molten ionic compounds

Answer 3

Positively charged ions (cations) move to the negative electrode (Cathode). They receive electrons and are reduced. Negatively charged ions (anions) move to the positive electrode (Anode). They lose electrons and are oxidised

Question 4

What are the products of electrolysis in molten compounds

Answer 4

They are split into their elements. The metal is formed at the negative electrode (Cathode) because of its positive ions (cations). The non-metal element is produced at the positive electrode (Anode) because of its negative ions (anions).

Question 5

Cations

Answer 5

Positively charged ions (Loss of electrons)

Question 6

Anions

Answer 6

Negatively charged ions (Gain of electrons)

Question 7

Cathode

Answer 7

Negative electrode (Reduction happens here)

Question 8

Anode

Answer 8

Positive electrode (Oxidation happens here)

Question 9

What kind of substances can form electrolytes?

Answer 9

Ionic substances

Question 10

Half equations

Answer 10

A half equation is used to represent the reaction that happens at an electrode during electrolysis. Electrons are shown as e- and the number of atoms of each element must be the same at each side. The total charge on each side must also be the same (usually 0). The gained electrons are on the right side for oxidation and left side for reduction
For example 2Br- -> Br2+2e- (Oxidation)