introduction electrolysis

    Cards (5)

    • Ionic compounds
      Can conduct electricity when molten or dissolved in water
    • Solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity because the ions are locked in place and not free to move
    • Molten or dissolved ionic compounds

      Ions are free to move, so they can conduct electricity
    • Electrolytes
      Liquids or solutions that can conduct electricity
    • Electrolysis of molten ionic compound (e.g. lead bromide)
      1. Positive lead ions attracted to negative electrode (cathode)
      2. Lead ions gain 2 electrons to form lead atoms (reduction)
      3. Negative bromide ions attracted to positive electrode (anode)
      4. Bromide ions lose 1 electron to form bromine atoms (oxidation)
      5. Bromine atoms pair to form bromine molecules
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