Electrolysis Flashcards
1
Q
Why is electrolysis done?
A
To split an ionic compound into the separate elements that make the compound
2
Q
What is an anion?
A
A negatively charged ion
3
Q
What is a cation?
A
A positively charged ion
4
Q
What is a cathode?
A
The negative electrode
5
Q
What is an anode?
A
The positive electrode
6
Q
Which electrodes attract which ions?
A
The anode is positive, thus it attracts the negatively charged anions.
The cathode is negative, thus it attracts the positively charges cations.
7
Q
What happens when an ion touches an electrode?
A
if copper ions (Cu2+) are in a solution and a voltage is applied, they’ll move to the cathode (negative electrode). When they touch the cathode, each Cu2+ ion will gain 2 electrons and form a copper metal.
