Topic 9 - 9.4 - Electrolysis and Cells

Question 1

1. Define an electrolyte
2. Explain what its role in electrolysis

Answer 1

1. A compound that will conduct electricity when dissolved in water (usually ionic)
2. Allows ions to flow

Question 2

Fill in the blanks

Ions flow through [blank], [blank] flow through wires.

Answer 2

solutions, electrons

Question 3

Explain the relationship between the gaps between the metals in the ELECTROCHEMICAL series and the amount of voltage they produce when they react

Answer 3

• Bigger gap between the metals reacting with each other = higher voltage
• The electrons flow from the metal higher in the electrochemical series to the metal lower down.

Question 4

What is the role of an salt/ion bridge?

Answer 4

• Completes the circuit, allowing ions to flow between the two half-cells without the solutions directly mixing. This maintains the charge balance.
• Soaked in a neutral salt (e.g. KNO₃, NaCl)

Question 5

Define an electrochemical cell

Answer 5

• Involves the movement of electrons from one half cell to another
• They all involve redox reactions

Question 6

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Name the 3 types of cell

Answer 6

• Electrochemical cells
• Complex cells
• Non-metal cells