AQA · Chemistry · 8462
GCSE Chemistry: Electrolysis — basics (video)
Electrolysis of molten ionic compounds — cathode, anode and inert electrodes — from Cognito. Each card deep-links to the video.
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What is an electrolyte?
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A liquid or solution that contains an ionic compound where the ions are free to move.
How do you prepare an insoluble ionic compound like lead bromide for electrolysis?
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Melt it to create a molten liquid, ensuring the ions are free to move.
The positive electrode in electrolysis is called the ?.
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anode
The negative electrode in electrolysis is called the ?.
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cathode
What does 'discharged' mean in the context of electrolysis?
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An ion changes from a charged ion to a neutral atom.
In electrolysis of molten lead bromide, what happens at the anode?
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Bromide ions are attracted to the positive anode, discharged, and form bromine gas.
In electrolysis of molten lead bromide, what happens at the cathode?
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Lead ions are attracted to the negative cathode, discharged, and form pure molten lead.
At the anode in electrolysis, are ions oxidized or reduced?
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Oxidized. They lose electrons.
At the cathode in electrolysis, are ions oxidized or reduced?
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Reduced. They gain electrons.
Write the half-equation for the oxidation of bromide ions at the anode.
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2Br⁻ → Br₂ + 2e⁻
Write the half-equation for the reduction of lead ions at the cathode.
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Pb²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Pb
What is the overall purpose of electrolysis?
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To use electricity to split compounds and convert ions back into their pure elemental forms by transferring electrons from negative ions to positive ions.
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