2.1.4

Electrolysis

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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.

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.
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).
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.
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Biology

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2

Chemistry

2.1

Practicals

2.1.1Salts2.1.2Neutralisation2.1.3Titration2.1.4Electrolysis2.1.5Electrolysis 22.1.6Rate of Reaction2.1.7Rate of Reaction 22.1.8Chromatography2.1.9Identifying Gases2.1.10Identifying Gases 22.1.11Identifying Ions2.1.12Carbonates, Halides & Sulfates2.1.13Flame Emission Spectroscopy2.1.14Water Purification2.1.15Water Purification 2
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Physics

3.1

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Practice questions on Electrolysis

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

  1. 1
    If copper ions (Cu<sup>2+</sup>) are in a solution and a voltage is applied, which electrode will they move towards and what will happen when they touch that electrode?Flashcard
  2. 2
    What happens when a voltage is applied across an electrolyte?True / false
  3. 3
    What happens when ionic compounds are dissolved in water?Fill in the list
  4. 4
    What happens when we electrolyse molten copper oxide (CuO)?Flashcard
  5. 5
    Which ions are attracted to which electrode?True / false
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Titration

Electrolysis 2