Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis
The breaking down of ionic compounds using electricity
What is an electrolyte
The compound that is electrolysed - broken down
What are ions
Charged particles
What is an electrode
A metal / graphite rod that carries a current in/out of the electrode
What is an anode
A positive electrode
What is a cathode
A negative electrode
Where do ions move during electrolysis
To the opposite charged electrode
What is a redox reaction
A reaction where reduction and oxidation take place
What is oxidation - terms of oxygen
The gain of oxygen
What is oxidation - terms of electrons
Loss of electrons ( OIL )
What is reduction - terms of oxygen
Loss of oxygen
What is reduction - terms of electrons
Gain of electrons
What is a half equation
What is occurring at one electrode in terms of ions and electrons
What is the role of agolite in electrolysis of Morton aluminium oxide
Lowers the melting point of the aluminium ore.
How can the products of electrolysis be affected if the electrode is aqueous.
If the metal is more reactive than hydrogen, electrolysis will produce hydrogen instead of metal
