Electrolysis (P1) Flashcards
What type of compound is electrolysis used for?
Ionic because the electrons are able to move
Which electrode does each ion go to
Negative to the anode
Positive to the cathode
What happens?
Negatively charged ions are oxidised at the anode and the electrons travel as a current to reduce the positively charged ions
What does a solution need to be able to do to be an electrolyte?
Carry a charge
Reactions at the cathode
If the metal is more reactive than hydrogen then hydrogen is produced if not the metal is
Reactions at the anode
If it is a simple ion (only one element) it is produced if not oxygen is
When do you use electrolysis
If the metal is more reactive than carbon
You burn with carbon if it is less reactive than carbon but more than hydrogen
If it is less reactive than hydrogen it is found uncombined
Why must the anode be replaced regularly?
It wears out often due to carbon dioxide formation
Why does the use of cryolite during electrolysis of aluminium reduce energy costs?
It reduces the temperature required from 2050 to 700
