C6-Electrolysis Flashcards
(32 cards)
Electrolysis
Using electricity to split up substances (decomposition of ionic compounds using electricity)
Cathode(-)
To the right and attracts ca(+)ions as they are opposite charge
Anode(+)
To the left attracts anions(-)as opposite cahrge
Addition of oxygen
Oxidation
Removal of oxygen
Reduction
Addition of hydrogen
Reduction
Removal of hydrogen
Oxidation
Discharge rule at the cathode
Least reactive gets discharged
Brine
Concentrated sodium chloride solution that can undergo electrolysis to produce chlorine gas, hydrogen gas and sodium hydroxide solution
Electrolyte
A liquid, containing free-moving ions, which is broken down by electricity in the process of electrolysis
Half equation
An equation that describes reduction (gain of electrons) or oxidation (loss of electrons)
Inert
Unreactive
Molten ionic compounds
The metal and non-metal ions within the molten ionic compound become free to move, so the liquid can undergo electrolysis
Metal ions
Since metal ions are positive (cations) they will be attracted to the negative electrode (cathode)where the metal will form
Non-metal ions
Since non-metal ions are negative(anions), they will be attracted to the positive electrode (anode), where the non-metal will form
Electrolysis is used to extract reactive metals from molten ores (melted materials containing metals). It is used to extract metals such as aluminium which
Are more reactive than carbon
What is formed at the anode(positive electrode)for the extraction of alluminium
Carbon dioxide is formed, the anode is usually made up of carbon because it is a good conductor and it is cheap
What is formed at the cathode (negative electrode)for the extraction of aluminium
The aluminium is formed at the cathode
Disadvantages of electrolysis to extract alluminium
Lots of energy is needed to melt the solid ionic compound to allow the ions to flow and to produce the electrical current. Also all this energy costs money, and a lot of it!
Electrolysis of aqueous solutions the products are difficult to predict because
The water molecules in the solution split up to form hydrogen (H+)and hydroxide (OH-)ions
What forms at the anode(positive electrode) for aqueous solutions
If halide ions are present, the respective halogen forms and if they are absent oxygen forms
What forms at the cathode (negative electrode) for aqueous solutions
If the metal’s more reactive than hydrogen, hydrogen is produced but if the metal’s less reactive than hydrogen, the metal is produced
Half equatiosm
Show the reactions that happen at each electrode
Half equation at the cathode(negative electrode)
Reduction reaction happens (positively charged ions gain electrons)e.g.Pb2+ +2e- ->Pb