Chemistry chapter 6 (Electrochemistry) Flashcards
(38 cards)
Define conductors?
Materials capable of carrying electric current, materials which have “Mobile charge carriers”
Define Insulators?
Materials with no or very few free charge carriers
Define electrolysis?
The process by which an electric current flows through a liquid compound or solution to cause a chemical reaction.
Is there a chemical reaction when Electric current passes through a metal or graphite?
No
Define Electrolyte?
substances that dissolved in water produces a solution that conducts electricity
What do electrolytes contain?
ions
Define Nonelectrolyte?
A substance that dissolved in water produces a solution that does not conduct electricity
Examples of electrolytes?
. Molten salts
. Solutions of salt in water
. Solutions of acid
. Solutions of alkalis
Examples of Non-electrolytes?
. Distilled water
. Ethanol
. Petrol
. Paraffin
. Sugar solution
Difference between conduction of electricity in solid/liquid metals and solution?
In metals and liquid metals, the electricity is conducted through electrons, while in solutions the electricity is conducted through movement of ions.
How does electrolysis work?
Electric current flows through the positive electrode (Anode), negative ions of the solution (anion) travel to anode and loose electrons, and are transformed into neutral molecules. The positive ions of the solution (Cation) are attracted to the negative electrode (Cathode), gain electrons and are transformed into neutral molecules.
Properties of electrolytic conductivity?
. Ions flow
. Takes place is liquids and solutions (Not solids)
. Chomical decomposition takes place
Characteristics of metallic conductivity?
. Electrons flow
. Takes place in solids and liquids (liquid metals)
. No chemical change takes place
Define electrolytic cell?
The apparatus in which the electrolysis is carried out
Define Electrode?
Rods that carry the current into and out of the solution/liquid
Define Cathode?
negatively charged Electrode
Define cation?
Positively charged ions
Define Anode?
Positevly charged electrode
Define Anion?
Negatively charged ions
Examples of uses for sodium?
Sodium can be used in street lamps and as a coolant in some nuclear reactors.
Define selective discahrge?
When the ions move to the anode and cathode, only one negative and one positive ion will be selected to be discharged
How is selective discharge decided?
It is according to the reactivity series (for cations) and the Electrochemical series (for anions) as less reactive ions are easier to oxidize
Factors affecting selective discharge?
. Position in reactivity series
. The concentration
. The type of electrode used
Define a half equation?
the reaction at each electrode