Electrolysis Flashcards
what sort of structures does electrolysis involve
ionic compounds
what happens to the metal and non - metal ions
the metal and non-metal ions within the molten ionic compound become free moving allowing the liquid to undergo electrolysis
what are metal ions and what do they do during electrolysis
metal ions are Cations ( Positive ) and will become attracted to the negative electrode ( Cathode ) where the metal will form
what are the non-metal ions
the non metal ions are Anions ( Negative ) and are attracted to the positive electrode ( Anode ) where the non metal will form
Which ions are attracted to which electrode?
1) Cations ATTRACTED TO Cathode
2) Anions ATTRACTED TO Anode
When simple ionic compounds are heated, they will eventually what?
they will eventually melt
what is electrolysis
electrolysis is the process that splits ionic compounds into their constituent elements
what are electrolytes
electrolytes are ionic compounds that dissolve in water to make a solution
Note:
Positively charged ions (Cations) move to the negative electrode (Cathode)
Negatively charged ions (Anions) move to the positive electrode (Anode)
Note:
Positively charged ions (Cations) move to the negative electrode (Cathode)
Negatively charged ions (Anions) move to the positive electrode (Anode)
Note:
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.
Note:
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.
why is the product of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions hard to predict
it is hard to predict because the water molecules in the solution split up to form OH- and H+
NOTE: FOR AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
what is formed at the anode IF halide ions are and aren’t present
IF present - the respective halogen forms
IF NOT present - Oxygen forms
NOTE: FOR AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
What is formed at the cathode IF the metal is more or less reactive than hydrogen
IF MORE reactive - hydrogen is produced
IF LESS reactive - the metal is produced
What happens when we electrolyse molten copper oxide (CuO)?
Positively charged copper ions (Cu2+) are attracted to the cathode. A pinkish coat of copper will appear on the cathode.
Negatively charged oxygen ions (O2-) are attracted to the anode.
Oxygen atoms will form at the anode and combine to give O2 gas bubbles.
In the electrolysis of aqueous solutions, what products can form at the anode?
1) a metal
2) a halogen
