Electrolysis

• Electrolysis


  Splitting up with electricity
• Electrolysis process


  1. Place electrolyte in beaker

  2. Use electrodes (anode and cathode)

  3. Connect electrodes with wire

  4. Add power supply (e.g. battery)

  5. Electric current passes through electrolyte
• Electrolyte


  Liquid or solution containing an ionic compound with free-moving ions
• Electrolytes


  • Aqueous copper sulfate
  • Molten lead bromide
• Electrodes


  • Solid conductors, generally made of metal or carbon
  • Anode (positive electrode)
  • Cathode (negative electrode)
• Negative bromide ions


  Attracted to positive anode, discharged to form bromine gas
• Positive lead ions


  Attracted to negative cathode, discharged to form pure lead
• Oxidation and reduction at electrodes

  1. At anode: Bromide ions oxidized, lose 1 electron (half equation)

  2. At cathode: Lead ions reduced, gain 2 electrons
• Overall, electrons transferred from negative ions to positive ions using electricity to convert ions to pure elemental forms
• Next videos will cover electrolysis of metal oxides and aqueous solutions