Flashcards in this deck (38)

• What is the principle of electrolysis?

  Electrolysis is the process of using electrical energy to cause a chemical change, typically to decompose compounds into their elements.
  chemistry electrolysis
• In the electrolysis of molten compounds, the compounds are in liquid form, allowing ions to move freely. The positive ions migrate to the cathode and receive electrons, while negative ions move to the anode and give up electrons.
  chemistry electrolysis
• During the electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride, what is produced at the anode?

  Chlorine gas (Cl₂) is produced at the anode.
  chemistry electrolysis sodium_chloride
• What is produced at the cathode during electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid?

  Hydrogen gas (H₂) is produced at the cathode.
  chemistry electrolysis sulfuric_acid
• What is electrolysis?

  Electrolysis is the process where a molten ionic compound is broken down by an electric current.
  chemistry electrolysis
• Can covalent compounds undergo electrolysis?

  No, covalent compounds do not conduct electricity and cannot undergo electrolysis.
  chemistry compounds
• Do ionic compounds in the solid state conduct electricity?

  No, solid ionic compounds cannot conduct electricity; they lack free ions.
  chemistry ionic_compounds
• In solids, ions are fixed in place. When molten or in solution, they are free to move and carry charge.
  chemistry ions
• What is an electrode?

  An electrode is a rod that conducts electricity into or out of an electrolyte.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What is an electrolyte?

  An electrolyte is the ionic compound in a molten or dissolved solution that conducts electricity.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What is the anode in an electrolysis cell?

  The anode is the positive electrode of an electrolysis cell.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What is an anion?

  An anion is a negatively charged ion attracted to the anode.
  chemistry ions
• What is the cathode in an electrolysis cell?

  The cathode is the negative electrode of an electrolysis cell.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What is a cation?

  A cation is a positively charged ion attracted to the cathode.
  chemistry ions
• Where do cations gain electrons in an electrolytic cell?

  Cations gain electrons at the cathode.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What determines whether a metal or hydrogen is produced at the cathode?

  It depends on the reactivity series.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What is produced if the metal is less reactive than hydrogen?

  The metal is produced.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What is produced if the metal is more reactive than hydrogen?

  Hydrogen gas is produced instead.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What do non-metals form in an electrolytic cell?

  Non-metals form negative ions.
  chemistry electrolysis
• What mnemonic helps to remember the electrodes of an electrolytic cell?

  The mnemonic is: Positive is Anode, Negative is Cathode (PANIC).
  mnemonic chemistry
• In an electrolytic cell, cations gain electrons at the cathode.
  chemistry electrolysis
• If the metal is less reactive than hydrogen, the metal is produced.
  chemistry reactivity
• In an electrolytic cell, the anode is where anions lose electrons.
  chemistry electrolysis
• 

  This diagram shows the basic set-up of an electrolytic cell with electrodes and electrolyte.
  chemistry electrolysis diagram
• What flows around the circuit during electrolysis?

  Current flows as electrons and ions move.
  electrolysis current
• What carries charge in electrolysis?

  Electrons and ions are the charged particles transferring charge.
  electrolysis charge
• Where do electrons flow from in electrolysis?

  Electrons flow from the negative terminal of the power supply to the cathode.
  electrolysis electrons
• What charge does the cathode have?

  The cathode gains a negative charge due to the flow of electrons.
  electrolysis cathode
• Do electrons pass through the solution?

  No, electrons do not pass through the solution.
  electrolysis electrons
• At the cathode, cations gain electrons to form atoms. Meanwhile, anions move to the anode and lose electrons.
  electrolysis ions
• What happens to electrons after they reach the anode?

  Electrons flow back through the external circuit to the positive terminal of the power supply.
  electrolysis circuit
• Who are the charge carriers in electrolysis?

  • Electrons are the charge carriers in the external circuit.
  • Ions are the charge carriers in the electrolyte.
  electrolysis carriers
• During electrolysis, electrons flow from the negative terminal to the positive terminal; however, conventional current flows from positive to negative.
  electrolysis current
• What direction do cations move towards in the electrolyte?

  Cations move towards the cathode.
  electrolysis ions
• What occurs at the cathode?

  At the cathode, reduction occurs, meaning cations gain electrons.
  electrolysis cathode
• What direction do anions move towards in the electrolyte?

  Anions move towards the anode.
  electrolysis ions
• What occurs at the anode?

  At the anode, oxidation occurs, meaning anions lose electrons.
  electrolysis anode
• What happens during sodium chloride electrolysis?

  Electrons do not flow in the circuit.

  Cations move to the cathode and anions move to the anode.

  Cations flow freely in the solution.

  Only anions gain electrons.
  electrolysis sodium_chloride