C4: Electrolysis and Electrochemical Series Flashcards
(120 cards)
What does the word electrolysis mean?
Breaking down of substances using electricity
in electrolysis, which electrodes will the cations and anions migrate to?

differences between metallic conduction and conduction in an electrolyte
- Electric current in a metal is carried by (1)_______ , while in an electrolyte it is carried by (2)_________.
- Conduction in a metal results in (3)________ while in an electrolyte it results in (4)________ .
- electrons
- mobile ions
- no change
- decomposition of the electrolyte
How does electrolysis occur?
An electric current is used to break down an ionic substance
What is the substance that is broken down by electrolysis called?
The electrolyte
How is an electrical circuit for electrolysis set up?
• two electrodes which are dipped into the electrolyte • one of these is connected to the positive terminal of a power supply (the anode) • the other is connected to the negative terminal (the cathode)
What are the electrodes?
Conducting rods
What are the electrodes usually made of?
Inert (unreactive) substances, such as graphite or platinum
Why are electrodes made out of inert substances?
So that they do not react with the electrolyte or the products made in electrolysis
What happens to the ions when they reach the electrode?
They lose their charge and become elements
What can be given off / deposited at the electrodes?
Gases (given off) or metals (deposited)
Why do ionic substances not conduct electricity when they are solid?
This is because their ions are fixed in their giant lattice
What happens to the ions in an ionic substance when it is melted?
The ions are free to move around within the liquid and so carry their charge towards the electrodes
What is an alternative to melting some ionic substance to free it’s ions?
To dissolve it in water, which also enables the ions to become free to move around
Why is it more difficult to predict what will be formed when electrolysing ionic compounds in solution?
Because water also forms ions so the products at each electrode are not always exactly what should be expected
When can covalent compounds be electrolysed?
Only when they have reacted (ionized) in water to form ions
How do negatively charged ions become neutral atoms?
They lose electrons
How do positively charged ions become neutral atoms?
They gain electrons
What is it called when an ion gains electrons?
Reduction; the ions have been reduced
What is it called when an ion loses electrons?
Oxidation; they ions have been oxidised
How are the changes at each electrode represented?
By using half equations
What happens at the cathode (negative electrode)?
There is reduction of a positive ion
What happens at the anode (positive electrode)?
There is oxidation of a negative ion
What is the half equation for the reduction of lead (Pb2+)?
Pb2+ + 2e- –> Pb

