Electrolysis of Aqueous solutions

What is electrolysis?

The breaking down of a compound using electricity.

What happens at the anode during electrolysis of aqueous solutions?

Negatively charged ions lose electrons (oxidation).

What happens at the cathode during electrolysis of aqueous solutions?

Positively charged ions gain electrons (reduction).

What determines products at electrodes?

Reactivity of ions; hydrogen may be produced at the cathode if the metal is more reactive.

What is produced at the cathode if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen?

Hydrogen gas.

What is produced at the anode if no halide ions are present?

Oxygen.

Give an example of electrolysis of an aqueous solution.

Sodium chloride solution produces hydrogen and chlorine gas.