Electrolysis

Revision cards to help you learn key terms and notes on electrolysis.

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  • Created by: Grace
  • Created on: 22-03-13 18:18

Electrolysis

What is the substance broken down by electrolysis called?

The electrolyte

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Electrolysis

What is an electrode?

Conducting rod

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Electrolysis

What does the term electrolysis mean?

The breaking down of a substance containing ions using electricity.

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Electrolysis

What happens in electrolysis?

Positive ions move to the negative electrode (cathode) whilst negative ions move to the positive electrode (anode). Ionic compounds can only be electrolysed when molten or in solution.

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Electrolysis

P ositive

A node

N egative

I s

C athode

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Electrolysis

What happens to positive ions during electrolysis?

They gain electrons at the cathode and are REDUCED

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Electrolysis

What happens to negative ions during electrolysis?

They lose electrons at the anode and are OXIDISED. They are released as a gas.

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Electrolysis

Why does the electrolyte have to be molten or in solution?

Their ions are then free to move to the electrode.

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Electrolysis

Metal ions will always have a 

POSITIVE

charge

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Electrolysis

O xidation

I s

L oss                          of electrons

R eduction

I s

G ain                          of electrons

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Electrolysis

If two ions go to the same electrode which one will be produced?

When electrolysis happens in solution the less reactive element between hydrogen (from the water) and the metal is usually produced at the cathode. At the anode we usually get oxygen gas.

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Electrolysis

Uses of chlorine

We can react chlorine with sodium hydroxide in the electrolysis of brine. Making a solution of bleach - used for killing bacteria.

Plastics such as PVC.

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Uses of hydrogen

Hydrogen we make by electrolyising brine is pure. Useful for the food industry > we make margarine by reacting hydrogen with vegetable oils.

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Electrolysis

AN   OX

(http://images.wikia.com/farmville/images/b/bb/Ox-icon.png)

ANode OXidation

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Electrolysis

RED   CAT

(http://us.cdn3.123rf.com/168nwm/izakowski/izakowski1106/izakowski110600035/9704785-cartoon-illustration-of-cute-little-cat.jpg)

CAThode REDuction

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