Electroylsis Flashcards
What is it
The breakdown of ionic compounds
Why does it have to be molten or dissolved compounds
Because it separates ions into a liquid form which means the ions are free to move
What is an electrolyte
Where the ions are / solution they are in. All electrolytes can conduct electricity because the ions are free to move.
Electrodes
Made of conductive materials
There is a negative electrode which is the cathode
There is also a positive electrode called the anode
What happens at the cathode during electrolysis
The cathode is the negative electrode so it attracts the positive ions in the electrolyte. At the cathode positive ions become discharged forming either hydrogen or a metal
Reduction always occurs at the cathode
When does hydrogen form at the cathode
When the metal ions are less reactive then hydrogen
When does a metal form at the cathode
When the metal ions are more reactive then hydrogen
What happens at the anode during electrolysis
The anode is the positive electrode so it attracts the negative ions in the electrolyte. At the anode ions become discharged forming either oxygen or a halogen
Oxidation always occurs at the anode
When is oxygen formed at the anode
When halide ions are not present in the electrolyte
When does a halogen form at the anode
When halide ions are present in the electrolyte
Half equations
They explain how ions change during electrolysis
They MUST be balanced
To work them out I need to find the charge using periodic table and balance with electrons
