Electrolysis Flashcards
What is cryolite
It is added to lower the melting point of the Aluminium oxide and save energy
Which is the positive electrode
Anode
Which is negative electrode
Cathode
What properties of aluminium make it suitable for it to be used as overhead power cables
They are good electrical conductors
Positive ions go to…
- the Cathode which is the negative electrode
- because opposite charges attract
Negative ions go to…
- Anode which is the positive electrode
- because opposite charges attract
Why can’t aluminium be extracted from its ore by reduction with carbon
Aluminium is more reactive than the carbon
How does the use of cryolite during electrolysis help reduce energy costs
Cryolite lowers the melting point of the Aluminium oxide (purified bauxite)
What’s the word equation for the reaction that results in the anode wearing away
Carbon + oxygen —> Carbon Dioxide
What’s the symbol equation for the breakdown of aluminium oxide during electrolysis
Which substance is produced at the anode during the breakdown of aluminium oxide
Oxygen
Which substance is produced at the cathode during the breakdown of aluminium oxide
Aluminium
Why is the extraction of aluminium an expensive process
A lot of heat is required to melt the bauxite and big electrical current
Why do oxide ions collect at the anode
- Oxide ions have a negative charge and attract to the anodes that have a positive charge
- This is because opposite charges attract
Why must the anode be replaced regularly
- oxygen react with carbon anode
- This makes CO2 gas which diffuses away
- the reaction slowly wears away the anode
- so it needs to be replaced