4.1.5

Transfer of Charge During Electrolysis

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Transfer of Charge During Electrolysis

Electrolysis transfers charge through electron flow in circuits, electron gain/loss at electrodes, and ion movement in the electrolyte, driven by an external power supply.

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Movement of electrons in the external circuit

  • Electrolysis uses an external power supply to drive a reaction.
  • Electrons flow from the negative terminal to the cathode in the circuit.
  • Electrons return to the positive terminal after leaving the anode.
    • This electron flow in the external circuit carries charge during electrolysis.
Illustrative background for Loss or gain of electrons at electrodesIllustrative background for Loss or gain of electrons at electrodes ?? "content

Loss or gain of electrons at electrodes

  • At the cathode, positive ions gain electrons (reduction).
  • At the anode, negative ions lose electrons (oxidation).
  • Electron gain or loss changes ions into atoms or molecules.
    • These electron transfers produce new substances at electrodes.
Illustrative background for Movement of ions in the electrolyteIllustrative background for Movement of ions in the electrolyte ?? "content

Movement of ions in the electrolyte

  • Positive ions move towards the cathode to gain electrons.
  • Negative ions move towards the anode to lose electrons.
  • Ion movement inside the electrolyte completes the electrical circuit.
    • This ion flow balances charge as electrons move in the external circuit.
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Summary of charge transfer in electrolysis

  • Electrons move through the external circuit from anode to cathode.
  • Electrodes show electron loss (anode) or gain (cathode) during reactions.
  • Ions move within the electrolyte to balance charge transfer.
    • This combined movement allows electrolysis to produce chemical changes.

Jump to other topics

1States of Matter

2Atoms, Elements & Compounds

3Stoichometry

4Electrochemistry

5Chemical Energetics

6Chemical Reactions

7Acids, Bases & Salts

8The Periodic Table

9Metals

10Chemistry of the Environment

11Organic Chemistry

11.1Formulae, Functional Groups & Terminology

11.2Naming Organic Compounds

11.3Fuels

11.4Alkanes

11.5Alkenes

11.6Alcohols

11.7Carboxylic Acids

11.8Polymers

12Experimental Techniques & Chemical Analysis

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