Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions

• Ionic compounds are dissolved in water to form aqueous solutions
• When ionic compounds are dissolved in water, the water molecules break down to form hydroxide ions (OH⁻) and hydrogen ions (H⁺)
• When an ionic compound is dissolved in water, at the cathode : Hydrogen is produced if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen - The metal is produced if the metal is less reactive than hydrogen
• When an ionic compound is dissolved in water, at the anode : Oxygen is produced if the solution does not contain halide ions - The halogen is produced if the solution does contain halide ions
• In the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution (An aqueous solution) - Hydrogen is released at the cathode - Chlorine gas is released at the anode