Electrolysis Flashcards

All 4 cards in this deck

What is an electrolyte?

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

What is meant by the term electrolysis?

The use of electrical energy, from a direct current supply, to decompose (break down) an electrolyte.

During electrolysis, which electrode do cations move to, and which do anions move to?

Cations (positive ions) move to the cathode (negative electrode); anions (negative ions) move to the anode (positive electrode).

True or false? Molten zinc chloride conducts electricity because it contains delocalised electrons.

False. It conducts because it contains ions that are free to move.