electrolysis of metal compounds Flashcards
what does electrolysis do?
breaks down a substance using electricity.
what can you use electrolysis for?
to extract metals from molten compounds
why can ionic compounds conduct electricity?
The ions in ionic compounds are free to move when they are melted or dissolved.
what are electrolytes?
Liquids and solutions that conduct electricity
what happens when electricity is passed through an electrolyte?
positive ions move to the negative
electrode and negative ions move to the positive electrode.
what is the anode?
The positive electrode
what is the cathode?
the negative electrode
what happens at electrodes?
Ions are discharged to produce elements
what is attracted to the cathode?
metal ions and a metal is produced
what is used when extracting metals from their compounds?
inert (unreactive) electrodes
what does electrolysis use and why?
large amounts of energy to melt the compounds and to produce the
electrical current used.
what happens in the production of aluminium?
aluminium oxide is mixed with cryolite to lower the melting point.
what does the electrode need replacing? (oxygen + aluminium reaction)
The oxygen produced at the anode when aluminium oxide is electrolysed reacts with the anode to form carbon dioxide.
