Electrolytic Cells Notes

Identify that electrolytic cells use an external electrical potential difference to provide the energy to allow a non-spontaneous redox reaction to occur.

Electrolytic Cell: A cell that uses an external electrical potential difference to force a non‑spontaneous redox reaction to occur.

Identify the essential components of an electrolytic cell, including source of electric current and conductors, positive and negative electrodes, and the electrolyte.

External Power Source: supplies electrical energy to drive a non‑spontaneous reaction. It pulls electrons from the positive electrode and pushes electrons toward the negative electrode.

Conductors/Wires: allow electrons to flow from the power source to the electrodes.

Positive Electrode (Anode): where oxidation occurs.

Negative Electrode (Cathode): where reduction occurs.

Electrolyte: an ionic solution or molten ionic compound that conducts ions to complete the circuit.

State the factors that affect the products in electrolysis.

Determine the products of the electrolysis of a molten salt.

Explain the products of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions, e.g. dilute and concentration sodium chloride(aq) and copper sulfate(aq).

Describe that electrolytic cells can be used in small-scale and industrial situations, including metal plating and the purification of copper.

Calculate moles of electrons, current, time, mass of substance or volume of gas produced or used during electrolysis. (Formula: q = 𝑛(e−)× F or q = I ×t).

Analyse data to determine the relative amounts of product produced at each electrode in electrolysis.