Electrolysis Expanded Flashcards
What is electrolysis
the process of electricity splitting an ionic compound into its component metal and non metal
the compound MUST contain ions therefore
only ionic compounds can be used
the compound’s ions MUST be free to move therefore
the compound must be MOLTEN (l) or in a SOLUTION (aq)
the anode is
POSITIVE
the cathode is
NEGATIVE
positively charged ions
are always attracted to the CATHODE as opposite charges attract
negatively charged ions
are attracted to the ANODE as opposite charges attract
Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten or in a solution does what?
breaks them down into elements, process called electrolysis
Equations for electrolysis of CuCl2
at cathode: Cu[2+] (aq) + 2e- –> Cu (s) therefore electrons are gained i.e. reduction
at anode: 2Cl[-] (aq) –> Cl2 (g) + 2e- therefore electrons are lost i.e. oxidation
In electrolysis, a liquid ionic substance such as lead bromide is needed to conduct electricity and allow current to flow around the electrolytic cell, what is there name given to these conductive substances
electrolyte
how can you test whether a particular substance can be used as an electrolyte
make a complete circuit with a battery and a bulb and if the bulb lights up then it is a conductor therefore suitable as an electrolyte
what flows around the circuit in electrolysis
electrons
always answer the substance names for electrolysis with what
the name and ions i.e. bromide IONS
how to explain that a substance can conduct electricity
as it has free delocalised electrons that electricity can pass through
how can ionic structures only work in electrolysis if they are molten
as they have a lattice structure without delocalised electrons therefore the ions are not able to move freely and carry charge
what if a substance cannot be easily dissolved in water
heat it until it reaches its melting point so it will become molten
a NEGATIVE reaction in electrolysis is a
reduction reaction
a POSITIVE reaction in electrolysis is a
oxidation reaction
if a circuit is in use via electrolysis of molten compounds the circuit will stop working if
the heat source is removed and the molten substance solidifies as electrons will no longer be carried around the circuit
usually at the negative terminal connected to the power source in electrolysis i.e. the cathode but soon after a metallic build up is found underneath it and on the anode
a gas is formed usually of the non metal substance
the circuit goes from
negative and around to positive
when electrons are picked up from the cathode by the positive metal they are replaced with
the electric pump of the circuit which is filled with more electrons
when electrons are taken away from the anode by the negative non metal they are pumped away by
the electric pump of the circuit which will take the the extra electrons via the appliance by the power source
electrons flow in the external circuit because of the … changes to the ions arriving at the electrodes and we say that the ions are … at the electrodes
chemical
discharged
what does discharging an ion mean
it means that it loses its charge, either giving up its electrons or receiving electrons from it
positive ions are known as
cations because they are attracted to the cathode
negative ions are known as
anions because they are attracted to the anode