molten electrolysis Flashcards
what is electrolysis?
the breaking down of a compound using electricity
what is the substance to be broken down by connected into?
a circuit with a battery or a cell
what connects the substance into the circuit?
two electrodes
what is the positive electrode called?
the anode
what is the negative electrode called?
the cathode
what must the electrodes be made out of?
a solid that conducts electricity but is inert (unreactive)
what is usually used for the electrodes?
graphite or platinum
what is the electrolyte?
the substance to be broken down
what does the electrolyte need to do?
needs to conduct electricity
what are the only compounds that conduct electricity?
ionic compounds that are molten or dissolved so the ions are free to move
why won’t solid ionic compounds work?
the ions can’t move
why won’t covalent compounds work?
the molecules are not charged
what are the positive ions called and why?
cations as they are attracted to the cathode
what are the negative ions called and why?
anions as they are attracted to the anode
electrolysis of a molten ionic compound?
compound: elements
