electrolysis of aqueous solutions

How can u prep soluble compounds for electrolysis

They can be dissolved in water to make electrolyte

So ions are free to move

What is the difficulties with electrolysis of aqueous solutions

As it’s figuring out which ions will go to each electron this is because an aqueous solution as well as the ions from the ionic compound there will also be hydrogen irons and hydroxide irons from the water itself

How do u work out which ions will react with cathode

To work out which ions will react with what the rule for the cathodes is that the cathode will attract to the positive ions so the metal and the hydrogen ions but only one will be discharged (the ion of the least reactive element will be discharged if the metal is more reactive then the hydrogen. Hydrogen will be discharged if it’s less reactive than hydrogen copper will be discharged

How do you work out what ions will react with anode

At the anode the negative ions and hydroxide ions are attracted. To decide which is discharged the rule is that if a halide is present then the halide will be discharged if the halide isn’t present it’s always the hydroxide that gets discharged.

What are the ions in water

Hydrogen(H+) ions

And hydroxide ions (OH-)

Describe the practical for investigating electrolysis of an aqueous solution

-get to inner electrodes. Clean the surfaces of the electrodes using sandpaper.

– Be careful not to touch the surfaces of the metal with your hands you could transfer Grease back onto the electrodes.

– Place both electrodes into a beaker filled with the electrolyte and position them so they are inside inverted test tubes containing the aqueous solution.

– Connect the electrodes to a power supply using crocodile clips and wires.

– Once the experiment is finished you can test any gaseous products to work out what was produced.

– (Bleach is dump paper turning it white, hydrogen makes a squeaky pop with the light splint, oxygen will relight a glowing splint).