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IGCSE Chemistry > Electrolysis > Flashcards

Electrolysis Flashcards

(61 cards)

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1
Q

In a metal or carbon, electricity is the…

A

Flow of electrons (flow of current)

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2
Q

The movement of electrons does not…

A

Result in a chemical change

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3
Q

What sort of compounds don’t really conduct electricity

A

Solid

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4
Q

Compounds conduct electricity when

A

Molten (l) or in solution/dissolved in liquid (aq)

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5
Q

What is electrolysis?

A

A chemical change caused by passing an electric current through a compound that is either molten or in solution.

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6
Q

What is the primary purpose of electrolysis?

A

To split a compound into its elements using electricity.

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7
Q

What must a compound be in to undergo electrolysis?

A

Either molten or in solution.

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8
Q

True or False: Electrolysis involves a physical change.

A

False

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9
Q

Fill in the blank: Electrolysis is a __________ change caused by passing an electric current.

A

chemical

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10
Q
A
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11
Q

What is an electrolyte?

A

A substance that undergoes electrolysis and must contain ions

Electrolytes are essential for conducting electricity in solutions.

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12
Q

Can covalent compounds act as electrolytes? Why or why not?

A

No, because they do not contain ions

Covalent compounds typically share electrons and do not dissociate into ions.

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13
Q

What is the role of electrodes in electrolysis?

A

To pass electricity into and out of the electrolyte

Electrodes are crucial for initiating and maintaining the electrolysis process.

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14
Q

Which material is often used for electrodes due to its conductivity and chemical inertness?

A

Carbon

Carbon is a common choice for electrodes because it is both conductive and unreactive.

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15
Q

What is the positive electrode called?

A

Anode

The anode is where oxidation occurs during electrolysis.

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16
Q

What is the negative electrode called?

A

Cathode

The cathode is where reduction takes place during electrolysis.

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17
Q

What is a characteristic of platinum as an electrode material?

A

It is chemically inert

Platinum is less common and more expensive than carbon but offers similar benefits.

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18
Q

Fill in the blank: The negative electrode in electrolysis is referred to as the _______.

A

Cathode

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19
Q

Fill in the blank: The positive electrode in electrolysis is referred to as the _______.

A

Anode

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20
Q

True or False: Covalent compounds can be electrolytes.

A

False

Covalent compounds lack the necessary ions to conduct electricity.

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21
Q

What are the two main types of electrodes used in electrolysis?

A
  • Anode
  • Cathode
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22
Q
A
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23
Q

What is the process of breaking down a compound using electricity called?

A

Electrolysis

Electrolysis is commonly used for various applications, including electroplating and water splitting.

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24
Q

What is the role of the power supply in electrolysis?

A

Provides the electrical energy needed to drive the reaction

The power supply generates the necessary voltage to facilitate the movement of ions.

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25
What is the positive electrode called in electrolysis?
Anode ## Footnote The anode is where oxidation occurs during the electrolysis process.
26
What is the negative electrode called in electrolysis?
Cathode ## Footnote The cathode is where reduction occurs during the electrolysis process.
27
Which ions move towards the anode during electrolysis?
Negative ions ## Footnote Negative ions are attracted to the positive electrode where they lose electrons.
28
Which ions move towards the cathode during electrolysis?
Positive ions ## Footnote Positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode where they gain electrons.
29
What happens to ions when they reach the anode?
Lose electrons - oxidised ## Footnote Oxidation involves the loss of electrons, which is a key part of the electrolysis process.
30
What happens to ions when they reach the cathode?
Gain electrons - reduced ## Footnote Reduction involves the gain of electrons, which is essential for the completion of electrolysis.
31
What is the term for the substance that conducts electricity and allows electrolysis to occur?
Electrolyte ## Footnote The electrolyte can be a liquid or a gel containing ions that facilitate the movement of charge.
32
What material are electrodes typically made of in electrolysis?
An unreactive (inert) substance, usually graphite ## Footnote Inert materials are used to prevent reactions with the electrolyte.
33
True or False: Electrodes in electrolysis react with the electrolyte.
False ## Footnote Electrodes are designed to be inert to ensure that they do not interfere with the electrolysis process.
34
35
What is the order of ions released at the positive electrode during electrolysis?
Halides > Hydroxide > Other negative ions
36
Which gas is given off at the positive electrode during electrolysis?
Chlorine, Bromine, Oxygen gas, Iodine
37
True or False: Halides are formed first at the positive electrode.
True
38
Fill in the blank: The positive electrode is also known as the _______.
Anode
39
What type of ions are attracted to the positive electrode?
Negative ions
40
41
What ions are present in the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution?
CI- and Na+ ions, H+ and OH- ions
42
Which ions are attracted to the anode during electrolysis?
CI- and OH- ions
43
What happens to CI- ions at the anode?
CI- lose an electron (oxidised) to form CI atoms
44
What do two CI atoms pair up to form?
Cl2 molecules
45
What gas is produced during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution?
Cl2 gas
46
What is the reaction equation for the oxidation of CI- ions?
2 CI- - Cl2 + 2e-
47
What happens to OH- ions during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution?
OH- stays in solution
48
49
What ions are attracted to the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride?
Na+ ions are attracted to the cathode ## Footnote However, it is the H+ ions that are reduced at the cathode.
50
Which ions gain electrons during the electrolysis of sodium chloride?
H+ ions gain electrons ## Footnote This process is known as reduction.
51
What is the reaction that occurs at the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride?
2H+ + 2e- > H2 ## Footnote This reaction produces hydrogen gas.
52
True or False: Sodium is produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride.
False ## Footnote Hydrogen is produced instead of sodium.
53
Why does hydrogen get produced instead of sodium during electrolysis?
Hydrogen is less reactive than sodium ## Footnote This allows H+ ions to be reduced instead of Na+ ions.
54
What observable sign indicates the production of hydrogen gas during electrolysis?
Bubbles of H2 gas ## Footnote These bubbles form at the cathode.
55
56
What ions are attracted to the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride?
Na+ ions are attracted to the cathode ## Footnote However, it is the H+ ions that are reduced at the cathode.
57
Which ions gain electrons during the electrolysis of sodium chloride?
H+ ions gain electrons ## Footnote This process is known as reduction.
58
What is the reaction that occurs at the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride?
2H+ + 2e- > H2 ## Footnote This reaction produces hydrogen gas.
59
True or False: Sodium is produced at the cathode during the electrolysis of sodium chloride.
False ## Footnote Hydrogen is produced instead of sodium.
60
Why does hydrogen get produced instead of sodium during electrolysis?
Hydrogen is less reactive than sodium ## Footnote This allows H+ ions to be reduced instead of Na+ ions.
61
What observable sign indicates the production of hydrogen gas during electrolysis?
Bubbles of H2 gas ## Footnote These bubbles form at the cathode.

IGCSE Chemistry (1 decks)

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