Electrolysis (TOPIC 11)

Question 1

Why cant covalent compounds not conduct electricity?

Answer 1

Covalent molecular structures do not conduct electricity because the molecules are neutral and there are no charged particles (no ions or electrons) to move and carry charge.

Question 2

Why can electrolysis only happen when ionic compounds are liquid?

Answer 2

As the ions are not free to move and carry a charge when solid

Question 3

What is electrolysis?

Answer 3

Process in which ionic compounds are broken down into their pure elements using electricity

Question 4

Which electrode do reduction and oxidation occur at?

Answer 4

Oxidation at the anode

Reduction at the cathode

Question 5

What are the rules of (aq) electrolysis at the anode?

Answer 5

If - ion is a halogen then that ion is produced.

If it is not in group 7 oxygen is produced

Question 6

What are the rules of (aq) electrolysis at the cathode?

Answer 6

If the metal is more reactive than hydrogen then hydrogen is produced.

If it isn’t more reactive than that metal is produced

Question 7

If oxygen is a product what is the equation?

Answer 7

4OH- -> 2H2O + O2 + 4e