Introduction to electrolysis

Question 1

what is electrolysis?

Answer 1

The breaking up of a compound/electrolyte using electricity

Question 2

What is an electrolyte?

Answer 2

an ionic compound that is molten or dissolved in water that conducts electricity

Question 3

What are the names of the two electrodes, can you remember the acronym?

Answer 3

Positive
Anode
Negative
I s
Cathode

Question 4

what occurs during electrolysis

Answer 4

.electrolysis is used to split up an ionic compound into its corresponding elements as a form of extraction
. ionic compound is heated to become molten so it can conduct electricity as the ions are free to move
. graphite (it can conduct electricity and is inert so won’t interfere with experiment) electrodes are placed in the electrolyte and are connected to an electrical cell
. the cations will migrate to the cathode where they gain electrons to form neutral atoms
. the anions will migrate to the anode where they lose electrons to become neutral atoms