ES2 Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
the breaking down of a substance using electrical energy
How is electrolysis done in the lab?
Two non-reactive electrodes are connected the power supply and placed in the solution, the power is turned on and electrolysis starts
How does electrolysis work
-the Cations are attracted to the cathode and are reduced
-the Anions are attracted to the anode and oxidised
-the compound is therefore broken up as the two ions do not need each other to be stable
What is a Cation?
Positive iona
What is an Anion?
negative ions
What is a half equation?
A half equation shows the reaction that happens at one electrode in an electrolysis reaction
What is an oxidising agent?
a substance that removes electrons from other species by accepting electrons and getting reduced
What is a reducing agent?
a substance that donates electrons to other species by getting oxidised
What does the roman numeral indicate in copper(I) sulfide?
that the oxidation number of copper is +1
