Electrolysis

Question 1

what does electrolysis work in?

Answer 1

ionic substances

Question 2

why does electrolysis not work in covalent structures?

Answer 2

they do not have charges particles

Question 3

why does electrolysis not work in metallic structures?

Answer 3

they conduct electricity

Question 4

ionic substances can only conduct electricity when…..

Answer 4

they are aqueous or molten

Question 5

what happens if we pass electricity through the molten/aqueous solution?

Answer 5

the positive ions will be attracted to the negative electrode (cathode)

Question 6

what is the name for positive ions?

Answer 6

cation

they go to the cathode

Question 7

what is the name for the negative ions?

Answer 7

anion

they go to the anode

Question 8

how does electrolysis work in lead bromide (PbBr2)

Answer 8

Pb2+ attracted to the cathode
Br- to the anode
Pb2+ gain 2 electrons from he cathode and become lead atoms. These join to form pure lead metal. They have been reduced.
The Br- ions lose 1 electron each to form bromine molecules - they then join to become bromine molecules - they have been oxidised.

Question 9

what is the half equation occurring at the cathode for Lead Bromide?

Answer 9

Pb2+ 2e- = Pb

Question 10

what is the half equation occurring at the anode for lead bromide?

Answer 10

2Br- = Br2 + 2e-