Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
The decomposition of a liquid electrolyte using a direct current of electricity.
What is electrolyte?
A liquid/solution that conducts electricity and is decomposed by it.
In electrolysis, the electrodes is sometimes made out of…?
Graphite
Inert means..?
Unreactive
Particles that move and carry charge are called?
Ions
When molten lithium undergoes electrolysis the products are..?
Lithium and chlorine
When aluminium is extracted by electrolysis the metal forms at..?
The cathode
Why can molten calcium fluoride conduct electricity?
As the ions are free to move and carry charge.
What happens to molten calcium fluoride when electricity passes through?
It breaks down/decomposes
Why is calcium produced at the cathode?
As calcium atoms have a +ve charge so are attracted to the -ve cathode
How is calcium produced at the cathode during electrolysis?
Calcium ions go to cathode and gain 2 electrons to form a calcium atom.
Ca2+ +2e- =Ca
What makes graphite a suitable material for electrodes?
Good conductor
Inert
Very high melting point
Cheap
What type of particle moves the charge in copper?
Electron
What type of particle moves the charge in sodium chloride solution?
Ion
What effect does copper have on the passage of electricity?
No effect
