Electrolysis

Question 1

Define electrolyte

Answer 1

A substance consisting of molten or aqueous ionic compounds having an electric current passing through it causing electrolysis

Question 2

Why can’t solid ionic compounds conduct electricity

Answer 2

The ions are in a fixed giant lattice

Question 3

What type of ions are attracted to the anode and cathode

Answer 3

Anode: negative ions
Cathode: positive ions

Question 4

How do you decide what forms at the cathode

Answer 4

Is the metal more reactive than hydrogen? Ie. Everything but copper, silver and gold
• yes: hydrogen forms at cathode
• no: metal forms

Question 5

How do you decide what forms at anode

Answer 5

Is the compounds negative ions apart of group 7
• yes: then that forms
• no: then O2 forms

Question 6

What’s the half equation for oxygen

Answer 6

4OH- > 2H2O + O2 + 4 e-

Question 7

Define electrolysis

Answer 7

It’s the splitting up of molten or aqueous ionic compounds using electricity