7.1.3

Electrolysis - Aqueous Solutions

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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

2Elements, Compounds & Mixtures

3Atomic Structure

4The Periodic Table

5Chemical Formulae, Equations & Calculations

6Bonding

7Electrolysis

8Groups of the Periodic Table

9The Atmosphere

10Reactivity Series

11Metal Extraction

12Acids & Alkalis

13Chemical Tests

14Physical Chemistry

15Organic Chemistry

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