4.3.2 Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds

• Electrolysis is important because it allows us to obtain elements or compounds not easily obtainable through other methods
• During electrolysis, positive ions move towards the cathode
• Electrolysis is used in the extraction of metals from their ores
• Ionic compounds typically form discrete molecules

  False
• What are the three main components of an electrolysis cell?

  Electrodes, electrolyte, power source
• In the molten state, ionic compounds can conduct electricity
• What is the typical composition of the electrolyte in an electrolysis cell?

  Molten ionic compound
• How are ionic compounds formed?

  Electron transfer
• What type of attraction holds ions together in ionic compounds?

  Electrostatic attraction
• Order the processes occurring at the anode and cathode:

  1️⃣ Oxidation at the anode

  2️⃣ Reduction at the cathode
• Oxidation results in the loss of electrons


  True
• What reaction occurs at the anode during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride (NaCl)?

  $2Cl^ - \rightarrow Cl_{2} +$$2e^ -$
• Electroplating involves using electrolysis to coat metal surfaces with a thin layer of another metal.


  True
• Ionic compounds are gases, liquids, or solids at room temperature.

  False
• What is the structure of molten ionic compounds?

  Disordered
• In electrolysis, cations are attracted to the cathode for reduction, while anions are attracted to the anode for oxidation.

  True
• At the cathode, cations gain electrons in a process called reduction.reduction
• What must be considered to predict the products formed during electrolysis?

  Ions present in electrolyte
• Processes at the electrodes during electrolysis

  1️⃣ Oxidation at the anode

  2️⃣ Reduction at the cathode
• Steps to predict the products formed during electrolysis:

  1️⃣ Consider the ions present in the electrolyte

  2️⃣ Identify the reduction process at the cathode

  3️⃣ Identify the oxidation process at the anode

  4️⃣ Determine the overall products
• At the anode, anions lose electrons in a process called oxidation
• Match the molten ionic compound with its electrolysis products:

  Sodium Chloride (NaCl) ↔️ Sodium metal and chlorine gas

  Magnesium Chloride (MgCl₂) ↔️ Magnesium metal and chlorine gas

  Aluminum Oxide (Al₂O₃) ↔️ Aluminum metal and oxygen gas

  Potassium Iodide (KI) ↔️ Potassium metal and iodine gas
• Electrolysis uses electric current to drive a non-spontaneous chemical reaction.
• Ionic compounds are held together by electrostatic attraction between oppositely charged ions.
• At the anode, anions lose electrons during oxidation to form neutral atoms or molecules.
• What type of reaction occurs at the cathode during electrolysis?

  Reduction
• At the cathode, cations undergo reduction
• What are the products formed during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?

  Sodium and chlorine gas
• What is the oxidation reaction at the anode during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?

  2Cl^ - \rightarrow Cl_{2} + 2e^ -</latex>
• What is the product formed at the cathode during the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride?

  Sodium metal
• Metals are produced at the cathode
• Ionic compounds are formed when atoms share electrons

  False
• Reduction involves the loss of electrons

  False
• Match the type of bonding with its key feature:

  Ionic Bonding ↔️ Electron transfer

  Covalent Bonding ↔️ Electron sharing
• What holds ions together in ionic bonding?

  Electrostatic attraction
• Arrange the key aspects of electrolysis in a logical order:

  1️⃣ Reaction Type: Non-spontaneous

  2️⃣ Energy Source: Electric current

  3️⃣ Driving Force: External voltage

  4️⃣ Products: Elements or compounds not easily obtainable through other methods
• What is the role of electrodes in an electrolysis cell?

  Electron transfer
• What is the primary purpose of electrolysis?

  Drive non-spontaneous reactions
• In ionic bonding, the metal loses electrons to become a positive ion
• What property enables molten ionic compounds to conduct electricity?

  Ion mobility