4.3: Electrolysis

Question 1

Describe the process of electrolysis.

EXTENDED

Answer 1

● When​ ​an​ ​ionic​ ​substance​ ​is​ ​melted​ ​or​ ​dissolved,​ ​the​ ​ions​ ​are​ ​free​ ​to​ ​move​ ​about within​ ​the​ ​liquid​ ​or​ ​solution.
● Passing​ ​a​ ​current​ ​through​ ​substances​ ​that​ ​are​ ​molten​ ​or​ ​solution​ ​means​ ​that​ ​the
solution​ ​can​ ​be​ ​broken​ ​down​ ​into​ ​elements.​ ​This​ ​is​ ​electrolysis,​ ​and​ ​the substance​ ​being​ ​broken​ ​down​ ​is​ ​the​ ​electrolyte.
● During​ ​electrolysis,​ ​​positively​ ​charged​ ​ions​​ ​move​ ​to​ ​the​ ​​negative​ ​electrode (cathode),​ ​and​ ​​negatively​ ​charged​ ​ions​​ ​move​ ​to​ ​the​ ​​positive​ ​electrode​​ ​(anode).
● Ions​ ​are​ ​discharged​ ​at​ ​the​ ​electrodes​ ​producing​ ​elements