7.1.2

Electrolysis - Process

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Electrolysis

Electrolysis is the process that splits ionic compounds into the different elements that they are made of. 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 are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode).
    • Negatively charged ions are attracted 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.
Jump to other topics
1

States of Matter

2

Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3

Atomic Structure

4

The Periodic Table

5

Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6

Bonding

7

Electrolysis

8

Groups of the Periodic Table

9

The Atmosphere

10

Reactivity Series

11

Metal Extraction

12

Acids & Alkalis

13

Chemical Tests

14

Physical Chemistry

15

Organic Chemistry

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