electrolysis

• electrolysis is the breaking down of ionic compounds using an electric current
• cathode - negative terminal where reduction occurs
• anode - positive terminal where oxidation occurs
• the cations are attracted to the negatively charged cathode and the anions are attracted to the positively charged anode.
• when a voltage is applied to a metal, the metal moves to the negative electrode (cathode)
• in electrolysis, the transfer of electrons causes different products to form, the ionic substance is an electrolyte
• • H+ ions are attracted to the cathode, gain electrons and form hydrogen gas
  • OH- ions are attracted to the anode, lose electrons and form oxygen gas
• anode: copper ions attracted to anode and are oxidised, go into solution so the anode loses copper. Then attracted to the cathode where copper ions become copper atoms, meaning the cathode gains copper