ES - Redox Reactions

Question 1

what is electrolysis?

Answer 1

energy being passed through a molten or aqueous ionic compound which is broken down as a result
the ions involved can move freely creating a complete circuit

Question 2

why are solid ionic compounds melted down for electrolysis?

Answer 2

solid compounds dont conduct electricity as ions can’t move freely but one the compound is melted they can

Question 3

what happens at the electrodes in molten compound electrolysis?

Answer 3

electrons are either lost or gained
positive (cations) migrate to cathode
negative (anions) migrate to anode
causes the breakdown of the ionic compound into its individual ions

Question 4

what happens at the cathode during electrolysis of solution?

Answer 4

REDUCTION
there will be metal ions from the salt and the water (that the salt dissolved in)
more reactive metals main as ions
hydrogen gas is produced by reduction of H2O
less reactive metals will be deposited on cathode

Question 5

what happens at the anode during electrolysis of solution?

Answer 5

OXIDATION
negative ions from the salt and the water will collect here
halide ions have a greater tendency to be oxidised then water so halogens are produced at anode