Definitions in bold are for extended supplement only
Definitions have been taken, or mnodified from the CAIE Cambridge
IGCSE Chemistry 0620 syllabus for 2023, 2024 and 2025.
oxidation
Anode: The positive electrode. It is where negatively charged ions lose electrons in
reactions. It is the electrode where Oxygen is produced unless the solution contains halide
ions- then the halogen is produced.
Cathode: The negative electrode. It is where positively charged ions gain electrons in
reduction reactions. It is the electrode where hydrogen is produced if the metal in the
electrolyte is more reactive than hydrogen.
Chemical cell: A cell which converts chemical energy to electrical energy. They are
a
made up of two metal electrodes connected by an electrolyte. The cell produces
voltage until one of the reactants is used up.
Electrode: A solid conductive material through which electricity can flow. Positive and
negative electrodes are used in electrolysis to conduct electricity.
Electrolysis: The decomposition of an ionic compound (molten or aqueous) using electricity.
at the
The electric current is passed through a substance causing chemical reactions
electrodes which lead to the decomposition of the materials.
The
Electrolyte: A solution containing free ions from a molten or aqueous ionic substance.
ions are free to move to carry charge.
by
Electroplating: The process of coating a metal with a thin layer of another metal
appearance.
electrolysis to improve the metal's corrosion resistance or to improve the metal's
supplied with
Fuel cell: An electrochemical cell which continuously produces a voltage when
oxygen gains electrons at
a fuel and oxygen. The fuel donates electrons at one electrode and
the other electrode.
Hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell: A fuel cell in which hydrogen and oxygen are the reactants
reaction for the
used to produce a voltage. Water is the only product. The overall
hydrogen-oxygen fuel cell is: 2H, + O,’ 2H,0
material
Inert: Unreactive. Inert electrodes are used in electrolysis to prevent the electrode
affecting the reactions.
lose
Oxidation: The loss of electrons. Oxidation occurs at the anode where the anions
electrons (are oxidised)
the cations
Reduction: The gain of electrons. Reduction occurs at the cathode where
gain electrons (are reduced)
