ELECTROLYSIS (paper 1 topic 4)

Electrolyte

An ionic compound which, when molten or aqueous, will conduct an electric current

When the ionic compound (electrolyte) is in the molten or aqueous, it can carry a current because…

The ions in the electrolyte are free to move within the liquid/solution

Electrolysis is a process where electrical energy from a DC supply…

Breaks down electrolytes. The free moving ions in the electrolytes are attracted to the oppositely charged electrode which connect to the supply.

Positive ion

Cation

Negative ion

Anion

Negative electrode

Cathode

Positive electrode

Anode

The Cations (positive ions) are attracted to the…

Cathode (the negative electrode)

The anions (negative ions) are attracted to the…

Anode (the positive electrode)

At the Cathode, the cations gain electrons- this means that they are…

Reduced

At the anode, the anions lose electrons- this means that they are…

Oxidised

O I L R I G

Oxidation Is Losing electrons, Reduction Is Gaining electrons

When separating an electrolyte with electrolysis, where does the metal usually form?

At the negative electrode (cathode) because that is where positive metal ions are attracted

When separating an electrolyte with electrolysis, where does the non-metal usually form?

At the positive electrode (anode) because that is where the negative non-metal ions are attracted

Do we use carbon as an electrode?

It has a high melting point and don’t react with the reactants or products during electrolysis