Electrolysis

Question 1

Why can’t Covalent compounds conduct electricity

Answer 1

Because the negatively charged electrons are held tightly in place by strong covalent bonds between two or more atoms. This means that there are no charged particles to carry a current.

Question 2

Why can Ionic compounds only conduct electricity when in a molten state

Answer 2

Because when an ionic compound is solid, the ions are held together by very strong electrostatic forces of attraction. So there are no charged ions that are free to move around and carry a charge.

When the Ionic Compound becomes molten, the ions become free to move around and can carry a charge.

Question 3

What are Anions

Answer 3

Negatively charged Ions

Question 4

What are Cations

Answer 4

Positively charged ions

Question 5

What happens to Anions at the Positive Electrode

Answer 5

The Anions will get attracted to the positive electrode and they will lose electrons, making an atom.

Question 6

What happens to Cations at the Negative Electrode

Answer 6

The Cations will get attracted to the Negative Electrode and gain Electrons to form an Atom.

Question 7

What is Electrolysis

Answer 7

Electrolysis is the process in which a substance that is molten or a solution gets broken down using electricity.

Question 8

What is the electrolyte

Answer 8

This is the liquid or solution that undergoes electrolysis and contains ions that are responsible for the breaking down of substances as well as the conduction of electricity.

Question 9

Why is carbon used as the electrode

Answer 9

Because carbon conducts electricity, it is fairly chemically inert and is very cheap

Question 10

What is Oxidation

Answer 10

This is a type of reaction in which something loses electrons

OILRIG

Question 11

What is the reduction

Answer 11

This is a type of reaction in which something gains electrons.

OILRIG

Question 12

What do Water Molecules form when they Ionise

Answer 12

Hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions.

Question 13

What is the experiment that can be used to show that the formula for water is H2O

Answer 13

The electrolysis of Sulfuric Acid.

Question 14

Some rules in the solution that forms in electrolysis

Answer 14

1. If the metal is below hydrogen in the reactivity series, the metals will form at the cathode.
2. If the metal is above hydrogen in the reactivity series, then Hydrogen will get formed at the cathode.
3. If the ion is a halide like Chloride, Bromide, or iodide. Then these will get formed in the anode
4. If the ion is a common negative ion like (sulfate, nitrate, or hydroxide). Then oxygen will form at the cathode.

Question 15

What is an Electrolytic Cell

Answer 15

This is the apparatus that is used to perform

electrolysis.