Electrolysis Flashcards
1
Q
What is electrolysis
A
The decomposition of an ionic substance by electricity
2
Q
What is the electrolyte
A
The ionic substance that is going through electrolysis
3
Q
What is cation and anion
A
Cation is the positive ion
Anion is the negative ion
4
Q
What is the cathode and anode
A
Cathode is the negatively charged electrode
Anode is the positively charged electrode
5
Q
What are the products at the cathode
A
- If the element is less reactive than hydrogen, then the element will be discharged to the cathode.
- If the element is more reactive than hydrogen, the hydrogen will be discharged to the cathode.
6
Q
What are the products at the anode
A
- If a halide is present, it goes to the anode
- If not, then oxygen goes to the anode
7
Q
Why are the electrodes made from carbon graphite?
A
- It has delocalised electrons so is a good conductor.
- Gas a high melting point so won’t melt with the electrolytes.
- It’s not reactive
