Electrolysis ⚡️ Flashcards
What is an electrolyte?
An ionic compound in its molten or aqueous state.
Why can electrolyte carry charge?
An ionic compound in its molten or aqueous state has mobile ions which can carry charge.
What is electrolysis?
A process which uses electrical energy (from a direct current supply) to decompose electrolytes.
What is the cathode?
negative electrode
What is the anode?
positive electrode
Where do charged ions in electrolyte move to during electrolysis?
Cations (positive ions) move towards the cathode (negative electrode).
Anions (negative ions). One towards the anode (positive electrode).
What happens at the anode during electrolysis?
The anions (negatively charged ions) lose electrons to form their elements.
What happens at the cathode during electrolysis?
Cations (positively charged ions) gains electrons to form their elements.
Name the process that occurs at the anode during electrolysis?
Oxidation
Name the process that occurs at the cathode during electrolysis.
Reduction
What is formed at each electrode in electrolysis?
Positive electrode : Non-metal
Negative electrode : Metal or hydrogen
What does oxidation mean in terms of electrons?
Loss of electrons
What does reduction mean in terms of electrons?
Gain of electrons
