Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis means ‘splitting up with electricity’, this uses an electric current to break down ionic compounds.
What is the compound broken down by electrolysis called?
The compound broken down by electrolysis is called the electrolyte.
In electrolysis, where will the positive ions in the electrolyte move?
The positive ions in the electrolyte will move towards the cathode (the negative electrode) and gain electrons (where they are reduced).
In electrolysis, where will the negative ions in the electrolyte move?
The negative ions in the electrolyte will move towards the anode (the positive electrode) and lose electrons (they are oxidised).
What does OILRIG stand for?
Oxidation
Is
Loss
Reduction
Is
Gain
What does PANiC stand for?
Positive
Anode
Negative
(is)
Cathode
When ions move to the oppositely charged electrode what does this create?
When ions move to the oppositely charged electrode this creates a flow of charge through the electrolyte.
What happens when ions gain or lose electrons?
When ions gain or lose electrons, they form the uncharged element and are discharged from the electrolyte.
Why can’t an ionic solid be electrolysed?
An ionic solid can’t be electrolysed because the ions are in fixed positions and can’t move.
What type of ionic compound can be electrolysed and why?
Molten ionic compounds can be electrolysed because the ions can move freely and conduct electricity.
How do you show how lead bromide is broken up into their elements using half equations?
Example of lead bromide being broke into their elements:
Lead being reduced:
Pb^(2+) + 2e^(-) —> Pb
Bromine being oxidised
2Br^(-) —> Br2 + 2e^(-)
- Look at CGP book to understand how they properly look on pg. 58
What the difference in ions moving to the cathode and anode other than their charges?
- Metal (positive) ions are reduced to the element at cathode
- Non-metal (negative) ions are oxidised to the element at the anode
If a metal is too reactive to be reduced with carbon what happens?
If a metal is too reactive to be reduced with carbon or reacts with carbon then electrolysis can be used to extract it.
What is a disadvantage of electrolysis and why?
Extracting methods via electrolysis is very expensive as lots of energy is required to melt the ore and produce the required current.
What compound does bauxite contain which has aluminium?
Bauxite contains aluminium oxide, Al2O3