Electrolysis Flashcards
What is an electrolyte?
Compounds that can be decomposed using electrolysis..
Describe the process of electrolysis
The electricity comes from a d.c power source.
It requires a liquid to conduct the electricity: an electrolyte.
The electricity is applied to the electrolyte by two electrodes.
The electrolyte is broken down into its separate elements and release as atoms or molecules.
What does the electrolysis of hydrochloric acid produce?
Hydrogen gas
Chlorine gas
How do you test for chlorine?
Hold damp blue litmus paper in the mouth of a tube and if the gas is chlorine then it will turn the litmus first to red and then to white.
How can you test for hydrogen?
Hold a lighted splint in the mouth of a tube and if the gas is hydrogen then the hydrogen and oxygen in the air will burn together which gives a squeaky pop.
How do you test for oxygen?
Light a splint and blow the flame out so that the end is glowing. Put the glowing splint in the mouth of a tube and if the gas if oxygen, the glowing splint will relight so a flame is produced again.
What is produced when sea water (sodium chloride salt) is electrolysed?
Chlorine gas
What does sea water contain?
Many dissolved substances: mainly sodium chloride salt.
What are the uses of chlorine?
Treat water supplies
Manufacture of bleach and other cleaning products
Manufacture of plastics: poly(chloroethene) - PVC
What problems do chlorine gas cause?
As it is a toxic gas, if it is leaked from factories or tankers then it is deadly to those around it.
What is chlorine bleach used for?
Paper making
What does the electrolysis of water produced?
Hydrogen
Oxygen
What are the uses of hydrogen?
Rocket fuel
Used to fill weather balloons that take measuring instruments into the atmosphere.
Why is hydrogen useful for weather balloons?
It is the lightest balloon.
What is a benefit of using electrolysis to obtain hydrogen?
The hydrogen will be much purer.
