Predicting Products of Electrolysis Flashcards
Describe why an ionic solid can’t be electrolysed.
The ions are in fixed positions, therefore they can’t carry a charge and conduct electricity
Describe when an ionic compound can conduct electricity.
An ionic compound can conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water
Which ions are present in aqueous solutions?
- Hydrogen ions (H+)
- Hydroxide ions (OH-)
When will hydrogen gas be produced at the cathode from an aqueous solution?
When the metal is more reactive than hydrogen in the reactivity series
What will be produced at the cathode if the metal is less reactive than hydrogen?
A solid layer of the pure metal will be produced
When will halogen atoms be produced at the anode from an aqueous solution?
When halide ions are present
What will happen at the anode when no halide ions are present?
Oxygen will be formed
(Exam-style question)
