Eleycrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
Breaking down ionic compounds using electricity
What is an electrolyte?
The compound that is electrolysed. It is broken down by the electricity
What are ions?
Charged particles
What is an electrode?
A metal/graphite rod that carries the current in/out of the electrolyte
What is the anode?
Positive electrode
What is the cathode?
Negative electrode
Where do the ions move to during electrolysis?
Ions move to the oppositely charged electrode
What is a redox reaction?
A reaction where reduction and oxidation take place
What is oxidation in terms of oxygen?
Gaining oxygen
What is oxidation in terms of electrons?
Losing electrons
What is reduction in terms of oxygen?
Losing oxygen
What is reduction in terms of electrons?
Gaining electrons
What is a half equation?
Equation showing what is occurring at one electrode in terms of ions and electrons
What is the role of cryolite in electrolysis of
molten aluminium oxide?
Cryolite lowers the melting point of the aluminium ore (aluminium oxide)
How can the products of electrolysis be
affected if the electrolyte is aqueous?
If the metal is more reactive than hydrogen, electrolysis will produce hydrogen instead of the metal
