(10) Electrolysis Flashcards
Why do things conduct electricity?
For something to conduct electricity, there must be charged particles and they must be free to move around.
Why do metals conduct electricity?
Their structures consist of a lattice of positive ions surrounded by a sea of delocalized electrons.
Why don’t ionic compounds conduct electricity when they are solid?
The ions are held tightly in position.
Why don’t covalent compounds conduct electricity at all?
Covalent molecular compounds consist of individual molecules that don’t have any overall charge.
What is electrolysis?
It is a chemical change caused by passing an electric current through a compound that is molten or in solution.
Why is carbon used for eletrodes?
Because it is inert.
In electrolysis, which electrode is the metal attracted to?
The cathode
[using lead(II)bromide as an example] What half equation happens when it reacts at the cathode?
Pb2+ + 2e- = Pb
[using lead(II)bromide as an example] What half equation happens when it reacts at the anode?
Br- = Br + e-
What is oxidation?
When something loses electrons.
What is reduction?
When something gains electrons.
Where does reduction and oxidation happen?
Oxidation happens at the anode, and reduction happens at the cathode.
