Electrolysis
12 flashcards to master Electrolysis
Smart Spaced Repetition
Rate each card Hard, Okay, or Easy after flipping. Your progress is saved and cards are scheduled for optimal review intervals.
Define electrolysis.
Electrolysis is the decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current.
In an electrolytic cell, what is the anode and what is its charge?
The anode is the positive electrode in an electrolytic cell. It's where oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs.
In an electrolytic cell, what is the cathode and what is its charge?
The cathode is the negative electrode in an electrolytic cell. It's where reduction (gain of electrons) occurs.
What is the electrolyte in electrolysis?
The electrolyte is the molten or aqueous substance that undergoes electrolysis. It contains ions that are free to move and conduct electricity. An example is molten lead(II) bromide or aqueous sodium chloride.
Describe the movement of charge during electrolysis in the external circuit.
Electrons move in the external circuit from the power supply to the cathode and from the anode back to the power supply. This flow of electrons constitutes the electric current. These electrons are gained or lost by ions at the electrodes.
Describe the movement of charge during electrolysis within the electrolyte.
Ions move in the electrolyte. Positive ions (cations) move towards the cathode, and negative ions (anions) move towards the anode. This movement of ions carries the charge through the electrolyte.
What are the products of electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide using inert electrodes?
At the cathode (negative electrode), molten lead is formed. At the anode (positive electrode), bromine gas is formed. Observation: Brown fumes are produced at the anode.
What are the products of electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride using inert electrodes?
At the cathode (negative electrode), hydrogen gas is formed. At the anode (positive electrode), chlorine gas is formed. Observation: Bubbles of gas produced at both electrodes, pungent smell at the anode. The remaining solution is sodium hydroxide.
What are the products of electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid using inert electrodes?
At the cathode (negative electrode), hydrogen gas is formed. At the anode (positive electrode), oxygen gas is formed. Observation: Bubbles of gas are produced at both electrodes. More hydrogen is produced than oxygen.
What type of substance is formed at the cathode during electrolysis?
Metals or hydrogen are formed at the cathode during electrolysis. This is because positive metal ions or H+ ions are attracted to the negative electrode and gain electrons (are reduced).
What type of substance is formed at the anode during electrolysis?
Non-metals (other than hydrogen) are formed at the anode during electrolysis. This is because negative non-metal ions are attracted to the positive electrode and lose electrons (are oxidized).
What is electroplating, and why is it done?
Electroplating is the process of coating a metal object with a thin layer of another metal using electrolysis. It is done to improve the appearance of the object and to increase its resistance to corrosion.
Key Questions: Electrolysis
Define electrolysis.
Electrolysis is the decomposition of an ionic compound, when molten or in aqueous solution, by the passage of an electric current.
What is the electrolyte in electrolysis?
The electrolyte is the molten or aqueous substance that undergoes electrolysis. It contains ions that are free to move and conduct electricity. An example is molten lead(II) bromide or aqueous sodium chloride.
What is electroplating, and why is it done?
Electroplating is the process of coating a metal object with a thin layer of another metal using electrolysis. It is done to improve the appearance of the object and to increase its resistance to corrosion.
About Electrolysis (4.1)
These 12 flashcards cover everything you need to know about Electrolysis for your Cambridge IGCSE Chemistry (0620) exam. Each card is designed based on the official syllabus requirements.
What You'll Learn
- 3 Definitions - Key terms and their precise meanings that examiners expect
- 4 Key Concepts - Core ideas and principles from the 0620 syllabus
How to Study Effectively
Use the Study Mode button above to test yourself one card at a time. Try to answer each question before flipping the card. Review cards you find difficult more frequently.
Continue Learning
After mastering Electrolysis, explore these related topics:
- 3.3 Calculations - 11 flashcards
- 4.2 Electrolysis of specific substances - 12 flashcards
Study Mode
Space to flip • ←→ to navigate • Esc to close
You're on a roll!
You've viewed 10 topics today
Create a free account to unlock unlimited access to all revision notes, flashcards, and study materials.
You're all set!
Enjoy unlimited access to all study materials.
Something went wrong. Please try again.
What you'll get:
- Unlimited revision notes & flashcards
- Track your study progress
- No spam, just study updates