C3.4.1 - Electrolysis Of Molten Salts Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
A process in which an electric current is played through the compound to cause a chemical change
What 3 components does electrolysis need to occur?
An electrolyte
Two electrodes
An electrical supply (power pack or battery)
What is an electrolyte?
A compound in its liquid state or in solution, which contains mobile ions and conducts electricity
Why are electrodes made from metals or graphite?
They need to conduct electricity
What are the two electrodes?
Cathode
Anode
What is a cathode?
The negative electrode where positive ions gain electrons and become atoms
What is an anode?
The positive electrode where negative ions lose electrons and become atoms
In electrolysis, what are positive ions called?
Cations
In electrolysis, what are negative ions called?
Anions
How many elements does a binary ionic compound contain?
2
What does it mean when ions are discharged?
When they become atoms or molecules in electrolysis
How can molecules be formed from electrolysis?
If two non metal atoms are made, covalent bonds may form between them and create a molecule
Describe ions with in electrolysis.
Ions move to a the oppositely charged electrode during electrolysis. There, the concentration of ions goes down as some of them become atoms. Other ions in the electrolyte replace the ions which turn into atoms.
What do ions in the electrolyte do to replace the ions that become atoms?
Diffusion and convection
Why can’t solids conduct electricity?
They can’t replace the ions which turn into atoms because they can’t diffuse or use convection
