Electrolysis Flashcards
What’s the test to see if there’s a current flowing in electrolysis?
Plug in with bulb
What is an electrode made out of and why?
Usually carbon (solid) as its unreactive and conducts electricity
What are the products of the electrolysis of brine?
Hydrogen, chorine and sodium hydroxide
Where is the hydrogen found in the electrolysis of brine?
The cathode
What is the use of hydrogen in the electrolysis of brine?
Used for the haber process
Converts oils to fats
Where is chlorine found in the electrolysis of brine?
at the anode
What is the use for chlorine in the electrolysis of brine?
For sterilising water and bleach and HCl
What is the use of sodium hydroxide in the electrolysis of brine?
It’s a strong base so used widely in the chemical industry eg. bleach and soap
What happens to sodium hydroxide in the electrolysis of brine?
The sodium ions stay in the solution and the hydroxide ions from the water are left behind
The sodium hydroxide is left in the solution
Why is a diaphragm cell used in the electrolysis of brine?
It prevents OH- reacting with Cl2 to produce bleach and contaminating the sodium hydroxide produced
What is brine?
Sodium chloride
What is the half equation at the cathode in the electrolysis of brine?
2H+ + 2e- —> H2
What is the half equation at the anode in the electrolysis of brine?
2Cl- —> Cl2 + 2e-
What is the definition of electrolysis?
The breaking down of a compound using electrical energy
What happens at the anode and what is the general half equation for it?
Positive electrode attracts anions and a non metal is oxidised
non metal ions —> non metal molecule + electrons
