Electrolysis Flashcards
Where does the electricity used come from for electrolysis?
A direct current source, such as a battery.
What is the liquid required to conduct the electricity called?
The electrolyte
How is the electricity applied to the electrolyte?
By the two electrodes
What does the electrolyte contain?
The compound which is broken down into its component parts.
How are the component parts released?
As atoms or molecules - often as a gas
What is the test from chlorine?
Chlorine bleaches damp litmus paper, turning it white.
How do you test for hydrogen?
Hydrogen makes a ‘squeaky pop’ with a lighted splint.
Sea water or brine can be decomposed by electrolysis, true or false?
True
Decomposing sea water or brine by electrolysis is a handy way to make what gas?
Chlorine gas
Why is chlorine gas hazardous?
It’s toxic
List three uses of chlorine.
- used to treat water supplies: it kills bacteria and other micro - organisms so that the water’s safe to drink
- it’s needed for the manufacture of bleach
- it’s used to make the polymer PVC
What two useful products are given when water is decomposed by electrolysis?
Hydrogen gas and Oxygen gas
How do you test for oxygen?
The gas relights a glowing splint.
What is electrolysis?
Electrolysis is the breaking down (decomposition) of a compound using electrical energy.
