C6

• Electrolysis


  The chemical decomposition of an ionic compound by a direct electrical current.
• Molten/ aqueous state


  States in which an ionic compound can be for electrolysis to take place.
• Anode


  The positive electrode in an electrolytic cell where anions migrate to.
• Cathode


  The negative electrode in an electrolytic cell where cations migrate to.
• Anion


  A negatively charged ion that migrates towards the positive electrode (anode).
• Cation


  A positively charged ion that migrates towards the negative electrode (cathode).
• Oxidation


  A type of chemical reaction where an anion loses electrons at the anode.
• Reduction


  A type of chemical reaction where a cation gains electrons at the cathode.
• Half Equation


  An equation that describes reduction (gain of electrons) or oxidation (loss of electrons) in electrolysis.
• Anode


  The positive electrode in electrolysis that attracts negative ions and non-metals.
• Electrolyte


  A liquid containing free-moving ions that is broken down by electricity in electromysis.
• Cathode


  The negative electrode in electrolysis that attracts positive ions and metals.
• Cation


  A positive ion that gains electrons.
• Anion


  A negative ion that loses electrons.
• Cathode reduction


  The process of converting the least reactive metal ion to a solid metal at the negative electrode.
• Anode reaction


  The process of converting halides to halogen gases or oxygen gas in the presence of nitrates, sulfates, and hydroxides.
• Aluminum


  A metal that has all the normal metal properties, but is also light due to its low density and resistant to corrosion due to its strong aluminum oxide layer.
• Aluminum oxide


  A thin layer of strong aluminum oxide that forms on the surface of aluminum, providing excellent protection against corrosion.
• Aluminum smelting


  A process that can be costly due to the high electricity requirements, requiring its own hydro-electric power station for cheap electricity.
• Hydro-electric power station


  A power station that generates electricity using the energy of moving water, often built nearby aluminum smelters for cheap electricity.
• Cryolite


  A substance that reduces the energy needed to heat the electrolyte and helps dissolve it, increasing efficiency in the electrolysis process.
• Cathode reaction


  Hydrogen ions are reduced to form hydrogen gas, while sodium ions form sodium hydroxide solution.
• Anode reaction


  Chloride ions are oxidized to form chlorine gas, which bleaches litmus paper and has a characteristic smell.