Electrolysis: Aqueous Solutions

Question 1

What does aqueous (aq) mean?

Answer 1

aqueous means dissolved in water

Question 2

What do water molecules do in electrolysis of aqueous solutions?

Answer 2

Water molecules ionise (split) forming hydrogen ions and hydroxide ions.

Question 3

What is produced at the anode? (Aq)

Answer 3

At the anode oxygen is produced unless the element is a group 7 halogen.

Question 4

What is produced at the cathode? (Aq)

Answer 4

At the cathode hydrogen is produced if the metal (that they’ll give) is more reactive than hydrogen, hydrogen will be produced.. if the metal is less reactive than hydrogen the metal (that they’ll give) is formed. (refer to reactivity series).

Question 5

What is the rhyme used to remember the order of the reactivity series?

Answer 5

Please send lions, cats, monkeys and zebras into lovely hot countries signed general penguin.

Question 6

What is produced at the cathode? (molten)

Answer 6

The least reactive element between hydrogen and the metal (they give) is produced.

Question 7

What is produced at the anode? (molten)

Answer 7

Oxygen is produced at the anode for molten ionic compounds.