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Electrolysis - Jack Joseph

Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to decompose ionic compounds into their elements, involving key concepts such as oxidation, reduction, cations, and anions. Factors affecting electrolysis include ion concentration, type of electrolyte, and electrode material, with specific applications like the extraction of aluminum and electroplating. Understanding half equations and practicing exam questions are essential for mastering the topic.

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jack doss
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7 views11 pages

Electrolysis - Jack Joseph

Electrolysis is a process that uses electricity to decompose ionic compounds into their elements, involving key concepts such as oxidation, reduction, cations, and anions. Factors affecting electrolysis include ion concentration, type of electrolyte, and electrode material, with specific applications like the extraction of aluminum and electroplating. Understanding half equations and practicing exam questions are essential for mastering the topic.

Uploaded by

jack doss
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PPTX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Electrolysis IGCSE

Chemistry (Edexcel)
A comprehensive guide to electrolysis concepts
and applications.
What is Electrolysis?

• Electrolysis is the process of using


electricity to break down an ionic
compound into its elements.
Key Terms in
Electrolysis

• Oxidation: Loss of electrons.


• Reduction: Gain of electrons.
• Cation: Positively charged ion (moves to
cathode).
• Anion: Negatively charged ion (moves
to anode).
Electrolytes &
Electrodes

• Electrolytes: Ionic compounds that


conduct electricity when molten or
dissolved in water.
• Electrodes:
• Cathode (): Where reduction occurs.
• Anode (+): Where oxidation occurs.
How to Write Half
Equations
• 1. Identify the ions present.
• 2. Determine which ion is reduced at
the cathode.
• 3. Determine which ion is oxidized at
the anode.
• 4. Balance the electrons.

• Example: Electrolysis of molten NaCl:


• Cathode (): Na⁺ + e⁻ → Na
• Anode (+): 2Cl⁻ → Cl₂ + 2e⁻
Factors Affecting
Electrolysis

• Concentration of Ions: Higher


concentration affects which ion is
discharged.
• Type of Electrolyte: Molten or
aqueous solutions behave differently.
• Electrode Material: Inert
(carbon/platinum) vs. reactive
electrodes.
Electrolysis of
Aqueous Solutions
• Water and ions from the dissolved salt
participate.
• Product at the Cathode ():
• If metal is more reactive than
hydrogen → Hydrogen gas forms.
• If metal is less reactive than hydrogen
→ Metal is deposited.
• Product at the Anode (+):
• If a halide ion is present → Halogen
gas forms.
• If no halide is present → Oxygen gas
forms.
Extraction of
Aluminium

• Electrolyte: Molten aluminium oxide


(Al₂O₃) dissolved in cryolite.
• Cathode (): Al³⁺ + 3e⁻ → Al (liquid
aluminium)
• Anode (+): 2O²⁻ → O₂ + 4e⁻ (oxygen
gas)
• Uses Carbon Electrodes: Anode burns
away due to oxygen reaction.
• Electrolysis is used to coat objects with
Electroplating metal.
• Electrolyte: Solution containing metal ions
(e.g., silver nitrate for silver plating).
• Cathode (): Object to be coated.
• Anode (+): Pure metal that dissolves into
solution.
Exam Tips

• Always write balanced halfequations.


• Use OIL RIG (Oxidation Is Loss,
Reduction Is Gain).
• Memorize the reactivity series to
predict electrolysis products.
• Practise past paper questions!
Common Exam
Questions

• 1. What happens at the anode and


cathode during the electrolysis of
molten lead bromide?
• 2. Explain why electrolysis is used to
extract aluminium.
• 3. Write the halfequations for the
electrolysis of water.
• 4. Why is cryolite used in aluminium
extraction?

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