Electrolysis

Question 1

When are ions free to move throughout a substance?

Answer 1

when the ionic substance is molten or dissolved in water

Question 2

How does electrolysis separate a compound?

Answer 2

passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten breaks them down.

the substance that is broken down is called the electrolyte

positively charged ions move towards the negative electrode, vice versa

If there is a mixture of ions, the products formed depend on the reactivity of the elements involved

Question 3

Other than separating compounds, what are the uses for electrolysis?

Answer 3

used to electroplate object

copper/silver plating could be used to protect a metal

Question 4

What happens at the different electrodes?

Answer 4

at the negative electrode, positively ions gain electrons (reduction)

at the positive electrode, negatively charged ions lose electrons (oxidation)

Question 5

How is aluminium manufactured?

Answer 5

electrolysis of aluminum oxide and cryolite

aluminium forms at the negative electrode and oxygen at the positive electrode

the positive electrode is made of carbon, which reacts with oxygen to produce carbon dioxide