Electrolysis

Question 0

What are ions in a solid like?

Answer 0

They can move a little by vibrating, but they cannot move from place to place

Question 1

What is an electrolyte?

Answer 1

A substance that contains free ions, letting it conduct electricity

Question 2

What does electrolysis need?

Answer 2

A direct current

Electrodes that are made from graphite or other unreactive metals

Question 3

Where are positive ions attracted to?

Answer 3

Positive ions (cations) are attracted to the negative electrode. They gain electrons there and so are reduced.

OIL RIG

Question 4

Where are negative ions attracted to?

Answer 4

Negative ions (anions) are attracted to the positive electrode. They lose electrons there and so are oxidised.

OIL RIG

Question 5

State which electrode cations move towards

Answer 5

Negative electrode. Cathode

Question 6

Explain why a solution of copper chloride is an electrolyte but solid copper chloride is not.

Answer 6

The ions in copper chloride solution can move around but they cannot move around in solid copper chloride