Electrolysis of molten salts

• What is electrolysis?

  The decomposition of a compound using an electric current
• What is an electrolyte?

  A substance that conducts electricity when molten or in solution
• What type of compounds are electrolytes typically?

  Ionic compounds
• What happens to ions in electrolytes during electrolysis?

  They are free to move within the liquid or solution
• What type of current is used in electrolysis?

  Direct current (dc)
• What are electrodes in the context of electrolysis?

  Conductors used to establish electrical contact with a circuit
• What is the negatively charged electrode called in electrolysis?

  Cathode
• What happens to positively charged ions during electrolysis?

  They move towards the cathode and gain electrons
• What is the positively charged electrode called in electrolysis?

  Anode
• What happens to negatively charged ions during electrolysis?

  They move towards the anode and lose electrons
• What occurs when ions reach an electrode during electrolysis?

  They gain or lose electrons, forming atoms or molecules
• What is the formula for molten lead bromide?

  PbBr₂ (l)
• What happens to Pb²⁺ ions during the electrolysis of molten lead bromide?

  They gain electrons at the cathode and become Pb atoms
• What happens to Br^- ions during the electrolysis of molten lead bromide?

  They lose electrons at the anode and become Br atoms
• What is formed at the negative electrode during the electrolysis of molten lead bromide?

  Lead (Pb) forms at the negative electrode
• What is formed at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of molten lead bromide?

  Bromine (Br) forms at the positive electrode
• What are the products of electrolysis of molten calcium chloride?

  Calcium forms at the negative electrode and chlorine gas forms at the positive electrode
• What is produced at the negative electrode during the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide?

  Aluminium
• What is produced at the positive electrode during the electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide?

  Oxygen
• What are the key facts about the products formed during the electrolysis of molten salts?

  • A metal forms at the cathode
  • A non-metal forms at the anode
• What is the process of electrolysis of molten salts?

  1. Electrolyte is heated to become molten
  2. Direct current is applied
  3. Ions move towards oppositely charged electrodes
  4. Ions gain or lose electrons at electrodes
  5. Atoms or molecules of elements are formed
• What are the products of electrolysis of molten lead bromide?

  • Lead forms at the cathode
  • Bromine forms at the anode
• What are the products of electrolysis of molten calcium chloride?

  • Calcium forms at the cathode
  • Chlorine gas forms at the anode
• What are the products of electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide?

  • Aluminium forms at the cathode
  • Oxygen forms at the anode