4.1.9

Half-Equations

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Half Equations

During electrolysis, different reactions take place at the different electrodes. Half equations show the reactions that happen at each electrode. The electrolysis of lead bromide is an example of this:

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

At the anode (positive electrode)

  • Oxidation reactions happen i.e. negatively charged ions lose electrons.
    • E.g. 2Br- → Br2 + 2e-
Illustrative background for At the cathode (negative electrode)Illustrative background for At the cathode (negative electrode) ?? "content

At the cathode (negative electrode)

  • Reduction reactions happen i.e. positively charged ions gain electrons.
    • E.g. Pb2+ + 2e- → Pb

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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