Electrolysis (PAG C2) Flashcards

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What is electrolysis?

Electrolysis is using electricity to break down a molten or dissolved ionic compound into simpler substances.

What is an electrolyte in an electrolysis experiment?

An electrolyte is a liquid that conducts electricity because it has free ions, such as a molten ionic compound or an ionic solution.

Why must the electrolyte be molten or in solution for electrolysis to happen?

The ions must be free to move. In a solid they are fixed, but in a molten or dissolved state they can move to the electrodes.

In electrolysis, which electrode is the cathode and what charge does it have?

The cathode is the negative electrode and it attracts positive ions.

In electrolysis, what happens to positive metal ions when they reach the cathode?

They gain electrons and become neutral metal atoms, which may coat the electrode.

In electrolysis, which electrode is the anode and what charge does it have?

The anode is the positive electrode and it attracts negative ions.

Name a common material used as an inert electrode and say what “inert” means.

Graphite (carbon) is common. Inert means it does not take part in the reaction at the electrodes.

In the electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution with carbon electrodes, what forms at the cathode and what does it look like?

Copper metal forms as a pink-brown coating on the cathode.

In the electrolysis of copper(II) sulfate solution with carbon electrodes, what gas is made at the anode and how can you test for it?

Oxygen gas is made. You can test it with a glowing splint, which relights in oxygen.

How can you test for hydrogen gas made during electrolysis of an acidified solution or water?

Place a lit splint at the mouth of the test tube; hydrogen burns with a squeaky pop.

Why should the two electrodes not touch each other in the electrolyte during electrolysis?

If they touch, the circuit is shorted, the current misses the solution, and electrolysis will not happen properly.

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