Electrolysis Flashcards
What is electrolysis
Breakdown of molten or aqueous ionic compounds using electricity
Why do ionic compounds have to be aqueous or molten?
Ions are freely moving
They can carry electric charge
They are able to conduct electricity
Explain how in electrolysis of Lead bromide, bromide ions are converted to bromine gas.
Bromine ions are attracted to the anode
Electron is lost from bromide ion
Bromine ions are oxidised
Bromine becomes an atom
Two atoms of bromine make bromine gas
What is an electrolyte?
Substance that is broken down
Why is electrolysis used to extract some metals?
Used for metals that are more reactive than carbon
What substances are formed by electrolysis of a molten mixture
Cryolite and aluminium oxide
Describe what is seen at each electrode during electrolysis of copper chloride
Positive: fizzing
Negative: pink/orange/red/brown solid
