Topic 3 - Electrolytic Processes Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
Decomposing a compound using electricity
During electrolysis, what is electricity applied to?
An electrolyte (ionic substance either molten or dissolved in water)
In electrolysis, why does the electrolyte have to be molten or dissolved in water?
So there are free electrons to conduct electricity, has to be a flow electrons for circuit to be complete
How do the electrons move along the electrolyte in electrolysis?
Taken from ions at +ve anode + given to other ions at -ve cathode. As ions gain/lose electrons they become atoms/molecules
How is molten sodium chloride electrolysed?
- Cathode: sodium (Na+) ions reduced (gain electron) becoming sodium atoms
- Cathode: Na+ + e- –> Na
- Anode: chlorine (Cl-) ions oxidised (lose electron) + pair up forming chlorine molecules
- Anode: 2Cl- –> Cl2 + 2e-
- Sodium collected from cathode for use in street lamps + coolant in some nuclear reactors
What charge does a cation have?
Positive
What charge does a cathode have?
Negative
What charge does an anode have?
Positive
What charge does an anion have?
Negative
What always happens in electrolysis?
Oxidation + reduction reaction
What is oxidation?
Loss of electrons
What is reduction?
Gaining electrons
In the electrolysis of molten lead bromide, what forms at the anode and cathode?
- Anode: bromine (g)
- Cathode: lead (l)
What is he half equation for the reaction at the cathode during the electrolysis of molten lead bromide?
Pb[2+] + 2e[-] –> Pb
What is he half equation for the reaction at the anode during the electrolysis of molten lead bromide?
2Br[-] –> Br2 + 2e[-]