Unit 4- Electrolysis Flashcards
Electrolysis
Splitting up an ionic compound using electricity
Electrolyte
Ionic solution that conducts electricity
When do ionic substances conduct electricity?
When molten or dissolved in water
Why do ionic substances conduct electricity when dissolved or molten?
Ions are free to move
Carry an electrical charge
Cathode
Negative Electrode
Anode
Positive Electrode
Negative ions in electrolysis..
lose electrons to become atoms
Positive ions in electrolsysis
gain electrons to become atoms
Lead Bromide splits up into..
Lead and bromine
Zinc Chloride splits up into…
Zinc and Chlorine
Why is electrolysis expensive?
Large of energy used
Cost of melting ionic substances (energy)
Cost of electricity
When is electrolysis used to extract metals?
When they are more reactive then carbon
Why is cryolite added to aluminium oxide in electrolysis?
Lowers the melting point
Saves energy (money)
What is the anode made up of when extracting aluminium?
Carbon
Why does the anode need replacing in the extraction of aluminium?
Carbon electrode
reacts with the oxygen to produce carbon dioxide
Burns away
