Electrolysis of Molten Compounds Flashcards
What is electrolysis?
Molten or aqueous ionic compounds being broken down by passing electricity through them.
Why don’t solid ionic compounds conduct electricity?
Ions in the solid are not free to move.
What do charged ions carry?
A current.
What are lost or gained by the ions?
Electrons.
Where do ions lose or gain electrons?
At the electrodes.
What is the negative electrode called?
The cathode.
What is the positive electrode called?
The anode.
What happens at the cathode?
The positive ions gain electrons and are reduced to form atoms.
What happens at the anode?
The negative ions lose electrons and are oxidised to form atoms.
Why does molten lead form at the bottom of the container during the electrolysis of lead bromide?
Since the lead bromide is hot.
What will be seen during the electrolysis of lead bromide and why?
Bubbles of bromine gas, due to the temperature needed for lead bromide to melt.
What is the product from the electrolysis of molten salt at the cathode?
The metal.
What is the product from the electrolysis of molten salt at the anode?
The non-metal (apart from hydrogen).
