Electrolysis

Question 1

what happens during electrolysis

Answer 1

an electric current is passed through an electrolyte (a molten or dissolved ionic compound)
the ions move towards the electrodes, where they react, and the compound decomposes (breaking down a chemical compound into simpler substances)

Question 2

where will the positive ions go in the electrolyte

Answer 2

move towards the cathode ( -ve electrode) and lose electrons (they are reduced)

Question 3

where will the negative ions in the electrolyte go

Answer 3

move towards the anode (+ve electrode) and lose electrons (they are oxidised)

Question 4

what happens when ions gain or lose electrons

Answer 4

they form the uncharged element and are discharged from the electrolyte

Question 5

why cant an ionic solid not be electrolysed

Answer 5

because the ions are in fixed positions and cant move

Question 6

why can molten ionic compounds be electrolysed

Answer 6

because the ions can move freely and conduct electricity

Question 7

what happens if a metal is to reactive to be reduced by carbon

Answer 7

electrolysis can be used to extract it. electrolysis is very expensive and as lots of energy is required to melt the ore and produce the required current

Question 8

a student carries out electrolysis on molten sodium chloride.
what is produced at the cathode and anode

Answer 8

anode = chlorine gas
cathode = sodium atoms