Electrolysis Flashcards
What is an electrolyte?
An ionic compound (non-metal + metal) in a molten state/ dissolved in water
Why is the electrolyte in a molten state/ dissolved in water?
So the electrons can move freely
What is electrolysis?
Electrical energy decomposes electrolytes
Free moving ions in the electrolytes are attracted to the oppositely charges electrodes
What is a cation
Positively charged ion, attracted to the negatively charged cathode
What is an anion
Negatively charged ion, attracted to positively charged anode
What happens when the ions reach the electrodes
Loss or gain of electrons to form atoms or molecules of elements
What happens at the cathode
Cations gain electrons from the cathode
Cats gain all my love
What happens at the anode
Anions lose electrons at the anode
What is OILRIG
Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain
What is oxidation
Loss of electrons, at the cathode
What is reduction
Gain of electrons, at the anode
What happens if the electrolyte is aqueous
If the metal is less reactive than hydrogen, the metal will form at the cathode
Copper, Mercury, silver, gold, platinum
What happens if a sulfate is present (SO4^2-)
Oxygen will form at the anode
What happens if a halogen is present
The halogen will form at the anode (F-, Cl-, Br-)
