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Electrolysis
Explain that electrolysis is the process of breaking down an ionic compound, either when it is melted or dissolved in water, through the flow of electric current.
5
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50
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35
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90 min
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CambridgeIGCSECombined ScienceElectrochemistry
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Electrolysis outcomes5 objectives
- Explain that electrolysis is the process of breaking down an ionic compound, either when it is melted or dissolved in water, through the flow of 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 that is being electrolyzed.
- Identify the substances produced 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 such as 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 form.
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