Electrolysis of Molten Compounds Flashcards

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What does it mean when an ionic compound is described as molten?

It has been heated until it melts, so it is a liquid and its ions are free to move.

Why can a molten ionic compound conduct electricity, but a solid ionic compound cannot?

In a solid the ions are fixed in place, so they cannot move. In a molten ionic compound the ions can move and carry charge.

What is electrolysis of a molten compound?

It is the breaking down of a molten ionic compound using electricity to form its elements.

In the electrolysis of a molten compound, which ions go to the cathode and what happens there?

Positive ions (cations) go to the negative cathode. They gain electrons and turn into neutral atoms, often a metal.

In the electrolysis of a molten compound, which ions go to the anode and what happens there?

Negative ions (anions) go to the positive anode. They lose electrons and turn into neutral atoms or molecules, often a non-metal gas.

During electrolysis of molten lead bromide (PbBr₂), what forms at the cathode and at the anode?

Lead metal forms at the cathode, and bromine gas forms at the anode.

What would you see at each electrode when electrolysing molten lead bromide?

A silvery-grey layer of lead metal forms on the cathode, and brown bromine gas is given off at the anode.

During electrolysis of molten sodium chloride (NaCl), what forms at the cathode and at the anode?

Sodium metal forms at the cathode, and chlorine gas forms at the anode.

How can you predict the product at the cathode when electrolysing a simple molten ionic compound?

The metal ion in the compound goes to the cathode, gains electrons, and forms the metal element.

Why does electrolysis of a molten ionic compound always make elements rather than new compounds?

The ions gain or lose electrons and change back into neutral atoms, so you get the simple elements that were in the compound.

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