electrolysis

• What is the process of electrolysis?

  An electric current is passed through an electrolyte
• What is an electrolyte?

  A liquid or solution that conducts electricity
• Why do ions move to the electrodes during electrolysis?

  Because they are attracted to opposite charges
• What is the charge of the anode?

  Positive
• What is the charge of the cathode?

  Negative
• What happens to solid ionic compounds during electrolysis?

  • They do not conduct electricity
  • Ions cannot move in solid state
  • Must be molten or dissolved to conduct
• What happens to positive metal ions during electrolysis of molten compounds?

  They are attracted to the cathode and gain electrons
• What happens to negative non-metal ions during electrolysis of molten compounds?

  They are attracted to the anode and lose electrons
• What are the key steps in the electrolysis of molten ionic compounds?

  1. Solid ionic compounds must be molten or dissolved
  2. Positive metal ions move to the cathode

  • Gain electrons to form pure metal

  1. Negative non-metal ions move to the anode

  • Lose electrons to form pure non-metal