chemistry electrolysis

What is electrolysis?

The process in which chemical compound undergoes decomposition by passing direct electric current.

What is an electrolyte?

A chemical compound in aqueous or molten state undergoes chemical decomposition by passing current.

What are electrodes?

Electrodes are conductors through which electric current enters or leaves an electrolytic cell. There are two types: the anode (positive electrode) and the cathode (negative electrode).

Anode is oxidizing electrode why.

Anions undergo oxidation at the Anode by losing electron. Anode undergoes reduction.

Cathode is producing electrode why.

cation undergoes reduction at the cathode by gaining electron. cathode undergoes oxidation.

Give examples of strong electrolytes.

Examples of strong electrolytes include: strong acids (e.g., HCl, H2SO4), strong bases (e.g., NaOH, KOH), and most salts (e.g., NaCl, CuSO_4).

Give examples of weak electrolytes.

Examples of weak electrolytes include: weak acids (e.g., CH3COOH), weak bases (e.g., NH4OH).

What factors affect electrolysis?

Factors affecting electrolysis include: nature of the electrolyte, concentration of the electrolyte, nature of electrodes, and current density.

What is electroplating?

Coating of superior metal on top of another metal by using electrolysis.

What are some applications of electrolysis?

Applications of electrolysis include: electroplating, extraction of metals (e.g., aluminum), production of chemicals (e.g., chlorine, sodium hydroxide), and purification of metals.

What ions are discharged at the cathode during the electrolysis of copper sulfate solution when copper electrodes are used?

Cu^{2+} ions are discharged at the cathode. The reaction is Cu^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow Cu

What ions are discharged at the anode during the electrolysis of copper sulfate solution when copper electrodes are used?

Copper atoms from the anode lose electrons to form Cu^{2+} ions, which go into the solution. The reaction is $$Cu \rightarrow Cu^{2+} + 2