electrolysis of compounds

Question 1

define electrolysis

Answer 1

the breakdown of an ionic suubstance by using electricity

Question 2

define electrolyte

Answer 2

chemical compounds that conduct electricity when molten or in solution

Question 3

define electrode

Answer 3

a substance that can conduct electricity but is inert (unreactive)

Question 4

why are electrodes inert?

Answer 4

so they do not react with the electrolyte or products made in electrolysis

Question 5

what is a positive and negative electrode called?

Answer 5

an anode and cathode (remember PANIC)

Question 6

what kind of ions do metals form?

Answer 6

metals form positive ions because they lose electrons, therefore they go to the cathode (remember opposites attract)

Question 7

what kind of ions do non-metals form?

Answer 7

non-metals form negative ions bc they lose electrons

Question 8

what kind of ions do hydrogen atoms form? what electrode do they go to?

Answer 8

they form positive ions (even though they are non-metals) so they go to the cathode.

Question 9

what happens to positively charged ions during electrolysis?

Answer 9

they move to the cathode during electrolysis. they receive electrons and are reduced. (OIL RIG)

Question 10

what happens to negatively charged ions during electrolysis?

Answer 10

they move to the positive electrode during electrolysis. They lose electrons and are oxidised.

Question 11

what is produced at the cathode in electrolysis with inert electrodes

Answer 11

the least reactive metal