7.1.6

Half Equations

Test yourself

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

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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