Electrolysis Flashcards

Flashcards covering key vocabulary and concepts related to electrolysis.

Electrolysis

The decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by an electric current being passed through.

Anode

Positively charged electrode attracting negatively charged ions towards it

Cathode

Negatively charged electrode attracting positively charged ions towards it

Electrolyte

An ionic compound in the molten or aqueous state that undergoes electrolysis

Electrolysis of Molten Salts

A metal will form at the cathode and a non-metal forms at the anode.

Anode with Halide Ions

Ions lose electrons and form their halogens.

Cathode in Electroplating

The object that needs electroplating.

Anode in Electroplating

The plating metal.

Electrolyte in Electroplating

Consists of ions of the plating metal.

Charge Carriers in External Circuit

The movement of electrons.

Charge Carriers in Electrolyte

The movement of ions

Oxidation

The loss of electrons, occurring at the anode.

Reduction

The gain of electrons, occurring at the cathode.