Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis used for
Used to break apart compounds to form their elements
What substances can do electrolysis
Only ionic substances - simple covalent don’t conduct electricity
Electrode
Rod of metal or graphite through which an electric current flows into or out of an electrolyte
Electrolyte
The ionic compound in molten or dissolved solution that conducts the electricity
Anode
Positive electrode of an electrolysis cell
Anion
Negatively charged ion which is attracted to the anode
Cathode
Negative electrode of an electrolysis cell
Cation
Positively charged ion which is attracted to the cathode
Negative electrode
Metal - always reduced
Positive electrode
Non metal - always oxidised
Rule for aqueous solutions
If the positive ion from the compound is lower on the reactivity series than hydrogen, it discharges
If the negative ion from the compound is a halogen, it discharges. If not. OH- discharges and gives oxygen
What do metals look like
They delocalise these electrons in outer shell
Leaves ions behind
Malleability
