Topic 8 - Electrolysis Flashcards
Cation
Positive ion
Anion
Negative ion
Electrolysis
The breaking down of a compound using electricity.
Electrolyte
Ionic compound that is molten or dissolved in water.
When an ionic substance is melted or dissolved in water this allows the ionic bonds to break. This allows the ions to move freely when a voltage is applied. An ionic compound with free moving ions is called an electrolyte.
What happens during electrolysis?
Electrical energy is transferred to decompose the electrolyte. The ionic compound is broken down into positive cations and negative anions.
Electrode
Positive and negative ‘rods’
Anode
Positive electrode
Cathode
Negative electrode
Are metal ions positive or negative?
Positive
Are non-metal ions positive or negative?
Negative
What happens to cations?
They are attracted to the negative cathode where they gain electrons to become atoms (reduction)
What happens to anions?
They are attracted to the positive anode where they loose electrons to become atoms (oxidation).
What does an ion turn into when it goes to an electrode?
Atoms
What atoms do lead bromide turn into?
Lead + bromine
The negative bromide ions are attracted to the positive anode and turn into bromine atoms.
The positive lead ions are attracted to the negative cathode and turn into lead atoms.
What column on the periodic table requires a 2 in the equation?
Hydrogens
2nd column to the end.
What does molten mean?
Melted
Not with water