4.1.6

Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions

Test yourself

Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions

The products of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions are difficult to predict because the water molecules in the solution split up to give hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions.

Illustrative background for At the anode (positive electrode)Illustrative background for At the anode (positive electrode) ?? "content

At the anode (positive electrode)

  • What is formed at the anode depends on if there are halide ions present:
    • If there are halide ions present, the respective halogen forms.
    • If there are no halide ions, oxygen forms.
Illustrative background for At the cathode (negative electrode)Illustrative background for At the cathode (negative electrode) ?? "content

At the cathode (negative electrode)

  • What is formed at the cathode depends on the reactivity of the metal:
    • Hydrogen is produced if the metal is higher than hydrogen in the reactivity series.
    • The metal is produced if the metal is lower than hydrogen in the reactivity series.

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

Unlock your full potential with Seneca Premium

  • Unlimited access to 10,000+ open-ended exam questions

  • Mini-mock exams based on your study history

  • Unlock 800+ premium courses & e-books

Get started with Seneca Premium