Electrolysis

Question 1

What is electrolysis?

Answer 1

The decomposition of a compound using electricity

Question 2

What is the positive terminal called?

Answer 2

Anode

Question 3

What is the negative terminal called?

Answer 3

Cathode

Question 4

What happens @ the cathode(-) in an aqueous solution?

Answer 4

If it’s more reactive than hydrogen then hydrogen is formed, if it’s less reactive than hydrogen then the metal is formed

Question 5

What happens @ the anode (+) in an aqueous solution?

Answer 5

If the metal is a halide (in group 7) then the halogen is formed, if it’s not a halogen then oxygen is formed

Question 6

Why does the ionic compound have to be melted or dissolved in liquid?

Answer 6

So the ions are free to move about within the liquid and are able to conduct electricity (they are electrolytes)

Question 7

What type of reactions happens at the cathode?

Answer 7

A reduction reaction (electrons are gained)

Question 8

What type of reaction happens at the anode?

Answer 8

An oxidation reaction (electrons are lost)

Question 9

When is electrolysis used to extract metals?

Answer 9

If the metal is too reactive to be extracted with carbon or if the metal reacts with carbon

Question 10

What does passing electricity through electrolytes do?

Answer 10

Causes the free ions in the compound to move to the electrodes

Question 11

How is aluminium manufactured?

Answer 11

Electrolysis of a molten mixture of aluminium oxide + cryolite. Carbon is used as positive electrode