electrolysis Flashcards
what is electrolysis
the splitting up of ionic compounds using electricity
what is the name ‘electrolyte’ used for
the name for a substance being broken down
what is used to break down an ionic substance
an electric current
is a cathode positive or negative
negative
is an anode positive or negative
positive
what is electrostatic attraction
the attraction between positive and negative
what is meant by ‘opposites attract’ in electrolysis
positive non metal ion moves to negative electrode and negative metal ion moves to positive electrode
what is a solution
where compounds are dissolved in water
why do the anodes get worn away over time
because oxygen from the anode reacts with the carbon (from the graphite anode) to make CO2
what is oxidation
losing electrons
what is reduction
gaining electrons
why do compounds conduct electricity when molten or in an aqueous solution but not in a solid state
because the ions are free to move
why do ionic compounds conduct electricity when in a solution or molten but not in a solid state
when molten or in a solution the ions are free to move and carry the charge
what would you see form at the electrode where the metal is, and what is the exception
-a silver solid
-copper froms a pinky brown
what will you see at the electrode with the non metal
bubbling
