Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
A chemical change caused by passing an electric current through a compound that is either molten or in solution. Electricity is used to split the compound into elements.
What is an electrolyte?
A substance that undergoes electrolysis so must contain ions. (Covalent compounds don’t contain ions so cannot be electrolytes)
What is an electrode?
Carbon- conducts electricity and is chemically un reactive
What material is often used for electrodes?
Carbon - conducts electricity and is unreactive
Platinum - but is rarer and expensive
What is the positive and negative electrode called?
Anode (positive electrode) oxidation
Cathode (negative electrode) reduction
What happens when ions reach the electrode?
- ions lose electrons at the anode
+ ions gain electrons at the cathode
Why does Lead (II) Bromide need to be molten to conduct electricity
Ionic compounds can’t conduct electricity as a solid due to no free electrons
