ELECTROLYSIS

• What is electrolysis in simple terms?

  Using electricity to cause a reaction
• What type of current is required for electrolysis?

  Direct current (DC)
• What is electrolysis in simple terms?

  Using electricity to cause a reaction
• What type of current is required for electrolysis?

  Direct current (DC)
• What are the two electrodes used in electrolysis?

  Graphite and metal electrodes
• What is an electrolyte?

  A solution with an ionic compound dissolved
• What is the negative electrode called?

  Cathode
• What is the positive electrode called?

  Anode
• Why might the names of electrodes be swapped in some contexts?

  It depends on the specific situation
• What does electricity flow through in electrolysis?

  Any charged particles, not just electrons
• What happens when a battery is connected in electrolysis?

  It causes ions to move in solution
• What ions are produced when sodium chloride dissolves in water?

  Na⁺ and Cl^-
• What are cations?

  Positive ions attracted to the cathode
• What are anions?

  Negative ions attracted to the anode
• What happens to cations at the cathode?

  They gain electrons and become neutral
• What does the acronym OIL RIG stand for?

  Oxidation is loss, reduction is gain
• What happens to anions at the anode?

  They lose electrons and are oxidized
• What is produced at the anode if the anion is a halide ion?

  Atoms of the halide element
• What happens if the anion is not a halide ion?

  Oxygen gas is produced at the anode
• What is the half equation for oxygen production at the anode?

  4 OH^- → O₂ + 2 H₂O + 4 e^-
• What is produced when pure water is electrolyzed?

  Hydrogen gas and oxygen gas
• What is the effect of melting an ionic compound for electrolysis?

  Ions can move freely without water
• What is cryolite used for in electrolysis?

  To reduce the melting point of compounds
• What happens to carbon anodes over time in electrolysis?

  They react with oxygen and need replacement
• How can electrolysis be used to purify copper?

  Oxidizing impurities at the anode
• What happens to copper atoms at the anode during purification?

  They lose electrons and become Cu²⁺
• What happens to copper ions at the cathode during purification?

  They gain electrons and become copper atoms
• What happens to the mass of the cathode during copper purification?

  It increases as pure copper is deposited
• What are the key rules for electrolysis at the cathode and anode?

  • At the cathode: Less reactive cation is reduced
  • At the anode: Halide ions are oxidized; otherwise, oxygen is produced
• What happens during the electrolysis of sodium chloride solution?

  • Cathode: Hydrogen gas produced (H⁺ reduced)
  • Anode: Oxygen gas produced (O^2- oxidized)
• What happens during the electrolysis of copper sulfate solution?

  • Cathode: Copper deposited (Cu²⁺ reduced)
  • Anode: Oxygen gas produced (O^2- oxidized)
• What is the process of electrolysis used for?

  • Producing gases (H₂ and O₂)
  • Obtaining pure metals from compounds
  • Purifying impure metals like copper