introduction electrolysis

• 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