2.1.4
Electrolysis
Electrolysis
Electrolysis
Electrolysis is the process that splits ionic compounds into their constituent (different) elements (the elements that make them up). Electrolysis happens using a solution that conducts electricity.
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Electrolyte
Electrolyte
- When ionic compounds are melted or dissolved in water, the ions (charged particles that have gained/lost electrons) are free to move around, and the liquid/solution will conduct electricity.
- Ionic compounds that dissolve in water to make a solution that conducts electricity are called electrolytes.
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Electrodes
Electrodes
- When a voltage (direct current) is applied across an electrolyte, the charged ions are attracted to the electrode with the opposite charge to the ion.
- Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode (cathode).
- Negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode (anode).
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Elements
Elements
- When an ion touches an electrode, electrons can be transferred, producing elements.
- E.g. if copper ions (Cu2+) are in a solution and a voltage is applied, they'll move to the cathode (negative electrode). When they touch the cathode, each Cu2+ ion will gain 2 electrons and form a copper metal.
1Biology
2Chemistry
2.1Practicals
2.1.1Salts
2.1.2Neutralisation
2.1.3Titration
2.1.4Electrolysis
2.1.5Electrolysis 2
2.1.6Rate of Reaction
2.1.7Rate of Reaction 2
2.1.8Chromatography
2.1.9Identifying Gases
2.1.10Identifying Gases 2
2.1.11Identifying Ions
2.1.12Carbonates, Halides & Sulfates
2.1.13Flame Emission Spectroscopy
2.1.14Water Purification
2.1.15Water Purification 2
3Physics
3.1Practicals
Jump to other topics
1Biology
2Chemistry
2.1Practicals
2.1.1Salts
2.1.2Neutralisation
2.1.3Titration
2.1.4Electrolysis
2.1.5Electrolysis 2
2.1.6Rate of Reaction
2.1.7Rate of Reaction 2
2.1.8Chromatography
2.1.9Identifying Gases
2.1.10Identifying Gases 2
2.1.11Identifying Ions
2.1.12Carbonates, Halides & Sulfates
2.1.13Flame Emission Spectroscopy
2.1.14Water Purification
2.1.15Water Purification 2
3Physics
3.1Practicals
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