Electrolysis

Question 1

What is Electrolysis?

Answer 1

Breaking down of a substances using electricity.

An electric current is passed through an electrolyte, causing it to decompose

Question 2

What occurs in Electrolysis?

Answer 2

Oxidation (loss of e)

Reduction (gain of e)

Question 3

Where does the positive ions move to in the electrolyte

Answer 3

They move towards the cathode (negative electrode) and are reduced (gain electrons)

Question 4

Where does the negative ions move to in the electrolyte

Answer 4

They move towards the anode (positive electrode) and are oxidised (lose electrons)

Question 5

Why are half equations useful and how do you write one?

Answer 5

Shows how electrons are transferred during reactions ad show what happens at each electrode during electrolysis
1) Put one of the things being oxidised or reduced on one side of an arrow, and the thing it gets oxidised or reduced to on the other
2) Balance up the numbers of atoms just like a normal equation
3) Then add electrons (written e-) on to one side to balance up the charges
eg
Sodium is losing one electrons to become a sodium ion:
Na - Na+ (+) e-