Electrolysis Flashcards
1
Q
What charges do cathodes and anodes, and cations and anions have?
A
Cathode = Negative
Anode = Positive
Cation = Positive
Anion = Negative
2
Q
What type of compound can be separated by electrolysis?
A
Ionic compounds
3
Q
What does OILRIG stand for? What does it mean?
A
Oxidation Is Loss, Reduction Is Gain
Elements reacting at the anode (positive) are being oxidised, so they are losing electrons
Elements reacting at the cathode (negative) are being reduced, so they gain electrons
4
Q
What is electrolysis?
A
The process of using electricity to break down electrolytes within a liquid ionic compound to separate elements
