R3.2.8 Electrolytic cells

Electrolytic cells

Used to split ionic compounds into their constituent elements

Electrolytic cell uses a single container in which an ionic compound is heated until it becomes molten

Once molten, constituent ions can move around in the electrolyte

Electric current supplied from battery, oppositely charged ions attracted to anode or cathode

Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds

Negative ions are attracted to positive anode

Positive ions are attracted to negative cathode

At anode, negative ions are oxidized to form non-metal gas

At cathode, positive ions are reduced to form liquid metal

What must be the same between half-equations?

Number of electrons

How is an electric current conducted through an electrolytic cell?

Flow of electrons in the wires (from anode to cathode due to oxidation)

Movement of ions in electrolyte (negative ions move to cathode, positive to anode)