Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
The process in which electricity is used to separate ionic compounds such as Lead bromide.
Why can’t solid ionic compounds conduct electricity?
Solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity this is because the ions are not free to move and therefore cannot carry a charge. (They are held together by strong electrostatic forces.)
What happens to the forces of attraction when the ionic compound is melted or dissolved in water, and what does this mean the solution/liquid can now do?
When an ionic compound is melted or dissolved in water the forces of attraction are broken and the ions are free to move. This means the liquids or solutions can now conduct electricity.
What do scientists call melted ionic compounds?
Scientists call melted ionic compounds: Electrolytes.
What does molten mean in chemistry?
Molten refers to a compound that has been melted into liquid form.
What is the negative electrode called and what is it covered with?
The negative electrode is called the cathode and it is covered with electrons.
What is the positive electrode called and what does it lack?
The positive electrode is called the anode and has a lack of electrons.
Where are positive lead ions attracted to in the electrolysis of molten lead bromide and why? (Pb2+Br-)
The positive lead ions (Pb2+) are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) this is because opposite charges attract.
Where are the negative bromide ions attracted to in the electrolysis of molten lead bromide and why? (Pb2+Br-)
The negative bromide ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode) this is because apposite charges attract.
What happens to the positive lead ions (Pb2+) when they are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode)? And what type of reaction is this an example of?
The positive lead ions (Pb2+) gain two electrons to form lead (Pb) atoms. Because the positive lead ions are gaining electrons this is an example of a reduction reaction.
What happens to the negative bromide ions (Br-) when they are attracted to the positive electrode (anode)? And what type of reaction is this an example of?
The negative bromide ions (Br-) loose one electron to form bromine (Br) atoms. Because the negative bromide ions are loosing an electron this is an example of an oxidation reaction.
What happens when negative ions are attracted to the anode? And what type of reaction is this an example of?
When negative ions are attracted to the anode they loose electrons this is an example of an oxidation reaction.
What happens when positive ions are attracted to the cathode? And what type of reaction is this an example of?
When positive ions are attracted to the cathode they gain electrons this is an example of a reduction reaction.
What does oxidation mean?
Oxidation means the loss of electrons.
What does reduction mean?
Reduction means the gain of electrons.
