electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
Splitting an ionic substance using electricity
What type of compound can be broken down by electrolysis?
Ionic compounds.
Why must the compound be molten or dissolved in water?
So the ions are free to move and carry current.
What is the electrolyte?
The liquid containing free-moving ions.
What charge is the cathode?
Negative (-)
What charge is the anode?
Positive (+)
What type of ion goes to the cathode?
Positive ions (cations)
What type of ion goes to the anode?
Negative ions (anions)
What happens to ions at the cathode?
They gain electrons (reduction).
What happens to ions at the anode?
They lose electrons (oxidation).
What does OIL RIG stand for?
Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
In aqueous solutions, what is produced at the cathode if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen?
Hydrogen gas.
In aqueous solutions, what is produced at the anode if there is a halide ion?
A halogen (Cl₂, Br₂, I₂)
What is produced at the anode if there is no halide ion present?
Oxygen gas.
What is produced when molten lead bromide is electrolysed?
Lead at the cathode, bromine at the anode.
Which process happens at the cathode?
Reduction (gain of electrons)
Which process happens at the anode?
Oxidation (loss of electrons)
