Electrolysis

Vocabulary flashcards covering the key terms, electrode processes, reactions, and principles of electrolysis.

Electrolysis

The process of splitting up a compound by passing an electric current through an electrolyte to cause a chemical reaction.

Electrolyte

A liquid or solution (a molten or dissolved ionic compound) that conducts electricity.

Electrodes

Solid rods submerged in an electrolyte that conduct electricity and are inert so they do not react with the electrolyte.

Cathode

The negative electrode, which attracts positive ions (cations) where they gain electrons and are reduced.

Anode

The positive electrode, which attracts negative ions (anions) where they lose electrons and are oxidised.

Reduction

The gain of electrons by positive ions at the cathode during electrolysis.

Oxidation

The loss of electrons by negative ions at the anode during electrolysis.

Discharged

The process where ions gain or lose electrons at electrodes to form neutral, uncharged elements.

Molten ionic compounds (in electrolysis)

Ionic compounds that can undergo electrolysis because their ions are free to move and conduct electricity, breaking down into their constituent elements.

Electrolysis of lead bromide (cathode reaction)

The reduction reaction where lead ions gain electrons at the cathode to form lead: $Pb^{2+} + 2e^- \rightarrow Pb$.

Electrolysis of lead bromide (anode reaction)

The oxidation reaction where bromide ions lose electrons at the anode to form bromine: $2Br^- \rightarrow Br_2 + 2e^-$.

Electrolytic extraction of metals

A method used to extract a metal from its oxide ore when the metal is too reactive to be reduced by carbon or would react with carbon.