Electrolysis is Used to Make New Substances Flashcards
1
Q
What is electrolysis?
A
If you pass an electric current through an ionic substance that’s molten or in solution it breaks down into new substances
2
Q
What does it require to conduct the electricity?
A
Liquid - called the electrolyte
3
Q
How are electrolytes made?
A
By melting or dissolving ionic compounds
4
Q
What conducts the electricity in either case?
A
The free ions
5
Q
What has there got to be for a circuit to be complete?
A
A flow of electrons
6
Q
Where are electrons taken from and to?
A
From ions at a positive electrode (anode) and given to other ions as a negative electrode (cathode)
7
Q
What happens as ions gain or lose electrons?
A
They become atoms or molecules
