Electrolysis Review Flashcards

A set of vocabulary flashcards covering concepts, equations, and products from the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride, dilute sulfuric acid, and molten lead(II) bromide.

Electrolysis

The breakdown or decomposition of an ionic compound, either molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of electricity.

Electrolysis Apparatus for Dilute Sulfuric Acid

A collection vessel setup using graphite electrodes connected to a power supply for the electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid.

Anode

The positive electrode in an electrolysis cell, connected to the positive terminal of the power supply.

Cathode

The negative electrode in an electrolysis cell, connected to the negative terminal of the power supply.

Electrical Conductivity of Aqueous Sodium Chloride

The ability of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride to conduct electricity due to the presence of mobile ions that are free to move and carry charge.

Cathode Product of Concentrated Aqueous Sodium Chloride

Hydrogen gas ($H_2$).

Anode Ionic Half-Equation for Concentrated Aqueous Sodium Chloride

$$2Cl^- \rightarrow Cl_2 + 2e^-$$

Cathode Product of Molten Sodium Chloride

Sodium metal ($Na$).

Anode Ionic Half-Equation for Dilute Sulfuric Acid

$$4OH^- \rightarrow O_2 + 2H_2O + 4e^-$$

Platinum Electrode

An inert elemental material other than graphite that is suitable for use as an electrode in electrolysis.

Anode Product Appearance in Molten Lead(II) Bromide Electrolysis

A brown gas formed at electrode L, which corresponds to bromine ($Br_2$).

Cathode Product Appearance in Molten Lead(II) Bromide Electrolysis

A silvery liquid or solid metal formed at electrode M, which corresponds to lead ($Pb$).