Electrolysis Flashcards
1
Q
What does electrolysis mean?
A
Splitting up with electricity.
2
Q
How does it work? (5 points)
A
1) when an electric current is passed through an ionic substance that is molten or in solution then it breaks down the elements that it is made from
2) the liquid is called the electrolyte
3) electrolytes contain free ions
4) these free ions conduct the electricity through the solution
5) electrons are taken from the ions at the positive electrode and given to the negative electrode
3
Q
What does electrolysis involve?
A
Oxidation and reduction.
4
Q
What is reduction?
A
The gain of electrons.
5
Q
What is oxidation?
A
The loss of electrons.
