SC10c Electrolysis Practical Flashcards
1
Q
what are inert electrodes made of and why?
A
graphite or platinum so they do not react with the solution
2
Q
during electrolysis what happens to the copper atoms in the anode?
A
lose 2 electrons each to become copper ions
3
Q
what happens to the copper ions after they lose 2 electrons?
A
they dissolve in the solution and migrate to the cathode, where they are deposited as pure copper
4
Q
what happens to the mass of the anode and cathode?
A
anode - loses mass
cathode - gains mass
5
Q
what happens to the impurities from the anode?
A
do not form ions and collect below the anode as a ‘sludge’
6
Q
why is the anode sludge collected?
A
it may contain valuable metals
