Electrolysis 1

• Electrolysis

  Breaking something apart using electricity

  Separating a compound into its elements
• Electrolyte

  Liquid or solution that conducts electricity
• Electrode

  Solid that conducts electricity and submerged in the electrolyte
• Why is electrolysis not always used

  Very expensive as it requires lots of energy
• What happens to positive ions during electrolysis

  Attracted to the cathode

  Gain electrons

  Means they have been reduced
• What happens to negative ions during electrolysis

  Move towards anode

  Lose electrons

  Means they have been oxidised
• Why can’t ionic solids be electrolysed

  The ions are in fixed positions therefore they can’t move and carry charge
• Why can molten ionic compounds be electrolysed

  Ions can move freely when the compound is molten thus can conduct electricity
• Why should electrodes be inert during electrolysis

  So they don’t react with the electrolyte and dissolve away requiring replacement
• How does electrolysis work

  An electric current is passed through the electrolyte causing ions to move to the electrodes

  Positively charged ions move to cathode

  Negatively charged ions move to anode

  Ions are discharged at the electrodes producing elements