Electrolysis Reviewed (C6)

Electrolysis is passing electricity through a solution to break it up. Cations go towards the cathode which is negatively charged SO cations are POSITIVE and usually metals. Anions go towards the anode which is positively charged SO anions are NEGATIVELY charged and usually non metals.

At Cathode:

Cu2+ + 2e- ----> Cu (half equation)

Cu - 2e- ----> Cu2+

Oxidation is the loss of electrons

Reduction is the gain of electrons

Least reactive - 2H+ + 2e- ---> H2

At Anode:

Get oxygen unless you have a halogen

Cl- - 2e- ----> CL2

At the cathode the substance…