Electrolysis Flashcards
What type of compounds are split up using electrolysis?
Ionic compounds
Why does electrolysis not work on solid ionic compounds?
The ions can’t move
The ionic compound being split up is called
The electrolyte
Electrodes are usually made from what materials
Graphite (carbon)
In electrolysis, the positive electrode is called
The anode
In electrolysis, the negative electrode is called
The cathode
How does a positively charge ion turn into an atom?
It gains electrons
How does a negatively charged ion turn into an atom?
 it’s loses electrons
Why does a high temperature need to be used during the electrolysis of aluminum oxide?
To melt all aluminum oxide so the ions can move
Why is cryolite added to aluminum oxide?
 to reduce the melting point
Why is the electrolysis of aluminum oxide so expensive?
It uses a lot of electricity and energy
In the electrolysis of aluminum oxide, why do the anode need to be replaced?
They react with the oxygen produced to form carbon dioxide and wear away
Define oxidation in terms of electrons
Loss of electrons
Define reduction in terms of electrons
Gain of electrons
Why do the ions move to the electrodes during electrolysis?
They are oppositely charged, so are attracted to each other
Where do the H plus and OH minus ions come from in the electrolysis of a solution
Water
In electrolysis of AQS solutions, what product will be made at the anode?
A halogen, if present, otherwise oxygen
In electrolysis of an aqueous solution, what product will be made at the cathode?
A metal, if it’s less reactive than hydrogen, copper, silver, and gold, otherwise hydrogen from the water
Oxidation happens at the
Anode
Reduction happens at the
Cathode
Write the half equation for the production of oxygen during the electrolysis of sodium sulfate solution
4OH- 02 + 2H20 +4e-
Why is hydrogen produced rather than sodium during the electrolysis of sodium sulfate solution?
The hydrogen ion is more easily discharged than the sodium ion
