Electrolysis Flashcards
Electrolysis
The decomposition of ionic substances into simpler substances by passing an electric current through them
Electrolytes
Liquids that are able to conduct electricity with free moving ions
Can covalent compounds conduct electricity + why?
No + They have no ions (free charged electrons)
Can ionic compounds conduct electricity + why?
Yes + They have ions
Cations
Metal ions with a positive charge that move towards the cathode
Anions
Non-metal ions with a negative charge that move towards the anode
OILRIG
Oxidation is Loss
Reduction is Gain
(Of electrons)
Cathode
The negative electrode
Anode
The positive electrode
Which electrode does reduction happen at?
Cathode
Which electrode does oxidation happen at?
Anode
Electrode
The material placed into the electrolyte, connected to a power supply
Which metals form ions more easily?
Metals that are more reactive
Cell
A store of chemical energy that can provide electrical energy
Electricity
A flow of electrons
What does a chemical cell produce until one of the reactants is used up?
Voltage
In a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell, which two substances are used to produce voltage?
Hydrogen and oxygen
What is the only product of a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell?
Water
What are the advantages of hydrogen fuel cells compared to power stations or batteries?
Much more efficient at producing electricity
What can increase the efficiency of hydrogen fuel cells to greater than 80%?
Using the heat produced
What is the overall reaction in a hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell?
2H2 + O2 → 2H2O
True or False: The reaction in a fuel cell produces harmful pollutants.
False
List three conventional pollutants that fuel cell vehicles do not produce.
- Greenhouse gases
- Nitrogen oxides
- Sulfur dioxide
What are the only by-products of a fuel cell?
Water and heat
