Electrolysis Flashcards
In electrolysis what does it use to cause a reaction?
An Electrical current
What does Electrolysis mean?
Splitting up with Electricity
What do the positive ions do in Electrolysis?
Move towards the cathode and gain electrons (they are reduced)
What happens during Electrolysis?
An electrical current is passed through an electrolyte.
Then ions move towards the electrodes and the compound decomposes.
What do the negative ions do in Electrolysis?
the negative ions in the electrolyte will move towards the anode and lose electrons (they are oxidised)
What does electrolysis of Molten Ionic Solids form?
Elements
Why can’t ionic solids be electrolysed?
the ions are in fixed positions so they can’t move
Why can Molten Ionic Compounds be electrolysed?
Because the ions can move freely and conduct electricity
Metals can be extracted from the ores using ________?
Electrolysis
Why would you use Electrolysis when extracting metal from its ores?
When the metal is too reactive to be reduced with carbon
What ore is aluminum extracted from?
Bauxite
What is Aluminium mixed with to lower its melting point?
Cryolite
What does molten mixture contain?
Free electrons so it will conduct electricity
What are the positive ions attracted to?
The negative electrode where they each pick up three electrons
What are the negative ions attracted to?
The positive electrode where they each lose two electrons
