Electrolysis Flashcards

All 6 cards in this deck

What is an electrolyte?

An ionic compound that is molten or dissolved in water, so its ions are free to move.

What is electrolysis?

The process in which electrical energy from a direct current (d.c.) supply decomposes an electrolyte.

Why does a solid ionic compound not conduct electricity?

Its ions are held in fixed positions and are not free to move.

In an electrolysis cell, what are the names and charges of the two electrodes?

Anode = positive electrode; cathode = negative electrode.

During electrolysis, where do the cations and the anions move to?

e.g. molten lead bromide

Cations to the negative cathode, anions to the positive anode.

e.g. Pb2+\mathrm{Pb^{2+}} to the cathode, Br−\mathrm{Br^-} to the anode.

True or false? Calcium carbonate mixed with water behaves as an electrolyte.

False. Calcium carbonate is insoluble, so its ions are not free to move in the water.