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ELECTROLYSIS

The breakdown of an ionic compound into its elements by use of electricity
1. decomposition of an electrolyte by passage of an electric current= electrolosis
  1. Electrolyte= substance which will conduct electric current
    1. Must be molten OR dissolved in water
  2. The electrolyte is broken down by electricity passed through an ELECTRODE.
    1. Positive electrode= ANODE
      1. Negatively charged ions attracted here
        Neg charged chloride ions
        ANION
    2. Negative electrode= CATHODE
      1. Positively charged ions attracted here
        Opposites attract
        Pos charged Zinc ions
        CATION
    3. In solids= charge carrier- electrons
    4. In liquids= charge carrier- ions
    5. Group 1 and transition metals- one extra electron, must gain
      1. eg: Zinc ions- GAIN electrons. Chloride ions- LOSE electrons.
  3. Electrolyte MUST be molten/solution to conduct.
    1. thus, ions are free to move
2. Ionic compound= positive ions (atoms which lost negative electrons) and negative ions (atoms which gained negative electrons)
2 ways to split up ions
1. Take alot to break a strong ionic bond in a GIANT structure- but with enough energy will melt and become molten
2. Dissolve in water.
eg; Zinc Chloride electrolysed= Zinc metal+Chlorine gas
Electrolysis can only occur on FREE substances
1. Melt 2. Place electrodes in melt 3. Flick Switch

ELECTROLYSIS

	Created by Abi Riley over 8 years ago