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Electrolysis
Explain electrolysis as the breakdown of an ionic compound when it is either molten or dissolved in water, facilitated by an electric current.
11
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110
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77
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90 min
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CambridgeIGCSEChemistryElectrochemistry
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Electrolysis outcomes11 objectives
- Explain electrolysis as the breakdown of an ionic compound when it is either molten or dissolved in water, facilitated by an electric current.
- Recognize the components of basic electrolytic cells: (a) the anode is the positive electrode, (b) the cathode is the negative electrode, and (c) the electrolyte is the molten or aqueous substance undergoing electrolysis.
- Identify the products generated at the electrodes and explain the observations during the electrolysis of: (a) molten lead(II) bromide, (b) concentrated aqueous sodium chloride, and (c) dilute sulfuric acid using inert electrodes like platinum or carbon/graphite.
- State that at the cathode, metals or hydrogen are produced, while non-metals (excluding hydrogen) are produced at the anode.
- Anticipate the products formed at each electrode during the electrolysis of a binary compound in its molten state.
- Acknowledge that metal objects are electroplated to enhance their appearance and increase resistance to corrosion.
- Explain the process of electroplating metals.
- Illustrate the charge transfer during electrolysis, covering: (a) electron movement in the external circuit, (b) electron loss or gain at the electrodes, and (c) ion movement in the electrolyte.
- Identify the products formed at the electrodes and describe the observations during the electrolysis of aqueous copper(II) sulfate using inert carbon/graphite electrodes and when using copper electrodes.
- Predict the products formed at each electrode during the electrolysis of a halide compound in either dilute or concentrated aqueous solution.
- Construct ionic half-equations for the reactions occurring at the anode (indicating oxidation) and at the cathode (indicating reduction).
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