ELECTROLYSIS

A guide for GCSE students

2010
KNOCKHARDY PUBLISHING SPECIFICATIONS

ELECTROLYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Powerpoint show is one of several produced to help students understand selected GCSE Chemistry topics. It is based on the requirements of the AQA specification but is suitable for other examination boards. Individual students may use the material at home for revision purposes and it can also prove useful for classroom teaching with an interactive white board. Accompanying notes on this, and the full range of AS and A2 Chemistry topics, are available from the KNOCKHARDY WEBSITE at...

www.knockhardy.org.uk

All diagrams, photographs and any animations in this Powerpoint are original and created by Jonathan Hopton. Permission must be obtained for their use in any work that is distributed for financial gain.

ELECTROLYSIS
CONTENTS
What is electrolysis? Electrolysis of ionic compounds Electrolysis of molten sodium chloride Electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine)

Diaphragm cell
Electrolysis of aluminium oxide Other electrolytic systems Electrolysis of water

ELECTROLYSIS
Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements.

ELECTROLYSIS
Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements. The process is known as

ELECTROLYSIS

ELECTROLYSIS
Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements. The process is known as

ELECTROLYSIS ELECTROLYTE

The substance broken down is called the

ELECTROLYSIS
Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements. The process is known as

ELECTROLYSIS ELECTROLYTE

The substance broken down is called the

During electrolysis
Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode - CATHODE Negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode - ANODE

ELECTROLYSIS
Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements. The process is known as

ELECTROLYSIS ELECTROLYTE

The substance broken down is called the

During electrolysis
Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode - CATHODE Negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode - ANODE

CATHODE ANODE

+ive ions gain electrons - ive ions give up (lose) electrons

REDUCTION OXIDATION

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY

CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY
For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either

CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY
For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either electrons which are free to move about (metals / graphite)

CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY
For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either electrons which are free to move about or ions which are free to move about (metals / graphite)

CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY
For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either electrons which are free to move about or ions which are free to move about (metals / graphite)

When an ionic substance is melted or dissolved in water, the ions are free to move about within the liquid or solution.

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

ClNa+

Cl-

Cl-

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE NO CONDUCTION OF ELECTRICITY

SOLID IONIC COMPOUNDS DONT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID MOLTEN
Na+ Na+

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

Cl-

Cl-

Cl-

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE NO CONDUCTION OF ELECTRICITY

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS ARE FREE TO MOVE ELECTRICITY IS CONDUCTED

MOLTEN IONIC COMPOUNDS DO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

ClNa+

Cl-

Cl-

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE NO CONDUCTION OF ELECTRICITY

SOLID IONIC COMPOUNDS DONT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

ClAdd to water
Na+

Cl-

Cl-

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE NO CONDUCTION OF ELECTRICITY

AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS DO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION
Na+ Na+

ClNa+

Na+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

ClNa+

Cl-

Cl-

Cl-

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE NO CONDUCTION OF ELECTRICITY

WHEN DISSOLVED IN WATER, THE IONS ARE FREE TO MOVE ELECTRICITY IS CONDUCTED

AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS DO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF MOLTEN SODIUM CHLORIDE

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE DOWNS CELL

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON Na+ + eNa

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON Na+ + eNa

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON Na+ + eNa

CHLORIDE IONS GO TO THE ANODE AND EACH GIVE UP AN ELECTRON

Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2e-

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON Na+ + eNa

CHLORIDE IONS GO TO THE ANODE AND EACH GIVE UP AN ELECTRON

Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2e-

ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SUMMARY SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE TO THE ELECTRODES WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON Na+ + eNa

CHLORIDE IONS GO TO THE ANODE AND EACH GIVE UP AN ELECTRON

Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2e-

ELECTROLYSIS OF AQUEOUS SODIUM CHLORIDE (BRINE)

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE NEGATIVE CATHODE...

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE NEGATIVE CATHODE... OF THE TWO, HYDROGEN IONS ARE PREFERRED

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE NEGATIVE CATHODE... OF THE TWO, HYDROGEN IONS ARE PREFERRED NEGATIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE POSITIVE ANODE...

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE NEGATIVE CATHODE... OF THE TWO, HYDROGEN IONS ARE PREFERRED NEGATIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE POSITIVE ANODE... OF THE TWO, CHLORIDE IONS ARE PREFERRED

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + eH

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + e2H+ + 2eH H2

The atoms form molecules and hydrogen gas H2 is produced

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + e2H+ + 2eH H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS ClCl + e-

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + e2H+ + 2eH H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2e-

The atoms form molecules and chlorine gas Cl2 is produced

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + e2H+ + 2eH H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2eSODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION REMAINS

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + e2H+ + 2eH H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2eSODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION REMAINS

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
SUMMARY AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS H+ + e2H+ + 2eH H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS Cl2ClCl + eCl2 + 2eSODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION REMAINS

INDUSTRIAL ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

SODIUM CHLORIDE THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

CHLORINE GAS HYDROGEN GAS

BRINE
IONS

IONS

DIAPHRAGM
STOPS CHLORINE MIXING WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SODIUM HYDROXIDE SOLUTION

(CAUSTIC SODA)

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS AN ADVANTAGE OF ELECTROLYSING BRINE RATHER THAN MOLTEN SODIUM CHLORIDE?

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS AN ADVANTAGE OF ELECTROLYSING BRINE RATHER THAN MOLTEN SODIUM CHLORIDE?

LESS ENERGY IS NEEDED BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE TO MELT THE SODIUM CHLORIDE; IT HAS A HIGH MELTING POINT

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE POSITIVE ANODE?

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE POSITIVE ANODE?

CHLORIDE IONS ARE OXIDISED

Cl e 2Cl 2e

Cl Cl2

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE?

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE?

HYDROGEN IONS ARE REDUCED

H+ + e 2H+ + 2e

H H2

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS THE DIAPHRAGM FOR?

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS THE DIAPHRAGM FOR?

PREVENTS CHLORINE COMING INTO CONTACT WITH ANY SODIUM HYDROXIDE

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS ALSO PRODUCED?

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

IMPORTANT ASPECTS
CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE
IONS

IONS

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)

DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS ALSO PRODUCED?

THE SOLUTION CONTAINS SODIUM IONS AND HYDROXIDE IONS SO SODIUM HYDROXIDE IS PRODUCED

THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE

The products of the electrolysis of brine are of great industrial importance

CHLORINE

making bleach making plastics such as pvc used as fuel used in margarine production production of soaps and detergents used in the paper industry

HYDROGEN

SODIUM HYDROXIDE

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM BY ELECTROLYSIS

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTROLYSIS
Unlike iron, aluminium cannot be extracted using carbon. (Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series)

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTROLYSIS
Unlike iron, aluminium cannot be extracted using carbon. (Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series) Reactive metals are extracted using electrolysis

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTROLYSIS
Unlike iron, aluminium cannot be extracted using carbon. (Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series) Reactive metals are extracted using electrolysis Electrolysis is expensive - it requires a lot of energy - ore must be molten (ores have high melting points) - electricity is needed for the electrolysis process

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

RAW MATERIALS
BAUXITE aluminium ore

Bauxite contains alumina (Al2O3 aluminium oxide) plus impurities such as iron oxide it is purified before use.

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

RAW MATERIALS
BAUXITE aluminium ore

Bauxite contains alumina (Al2O3 aluminium oxide) plus impurities such as iron oxide it is purified before use.

CRYOLITE

Aluminium oxide has a very high melting point. Adding cryolite lowers the melting point and saves energy.

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

THE CELL CONSISTS OF A

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

CARBON ANODE

THE CELL CONSISTS OF A

CARBON ANODE

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

STEEL CATHODE CARBON LINING

THE CELL CONSISTS OF A

CARBON LINED STEEL CATHODE

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

MOLTEN ALUMINA and CRYOLITE

ALUMINA IS DISSOLVED IN MOLTEN CRYOLITE Na3AlF6 SAVES ENERGY - the mixture melts at a lower temperature

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

MOLTEN ALUMINA and CRYOLITE

ALUMINA IS DISSOLVED IN MOLTEN CRYOLITE Na3AlF6 aluminium and oxide ions are now free to move

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

POSITIVE ALUMINIUM IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

CARBON CATHODE

Al3+ + 3e-

Al

EACH ION PICKS UP 3 ELECTRONS AND IS DISCHARGED

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

NEGATIVE OXIDE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO THE POSITIVE ANODE

CARBON ANODE

O2-

O + 2e-

EACH ION GIVES UP 2 ELECTRONS AND IS DISCHARGED

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
ELECTRONS

CARBON ANODE

CARBON CATHODE

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
ELECTRONS OXIDATION (LOSS OF ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE AT THE ANODE CARBON ANODE

ANODE

3O2-

1O2 + 6e-

OXIDATION

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
ELECTRONS

OXIDATION (LOSS OF ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE AT THE ANODE

REDUCTION (GAIN OF ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE AT THE CATHODE

CARBON CATHODE

ANODE
CATHODE

3O22Al3+ + 6e-

1O2 + 6e2Al

OXIDATION
REDUCTION

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
ELECTRONS OXIDATION (LOSS OF ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE AT THE ANODE CARBON ANODE

REDUCTION (GAIN OF ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE AT THE CATHODE

CARBON CATHODE

ANODE
CATHODE

3O22Al3+ + 6e-

1O2 + 6e2Al

OXIDATION
REDUCTION

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
CARBON DIOXIDE

PROBLEM
THE CARBON ANODES REACT WITH THE OXYGEN TO PRODUCE CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON ANODE

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
CARBON DIOXIDE

PROBLEM
THE CARBON ANODES REACT WITH THE OXYGEN TO PRODUCE CARBON DIOXIDE
CARBON ANODE

THE ANODES HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT REGULAR INTERVALS, THUS ADDING TO THE COST OF THE EXTRACTION PROCESS

USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM

LOW DENSITY AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

LOW DENSITY needs to be an alloyed with other metals for extra strength GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY

OVERHEAD CABLES

AIRCRAFT BODIES

SAUCEPANS

USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM

LOW DENSITY AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

LOW DENSITY needs to be an alloyed with other metals for extra strength GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY

OVERHEAD CABLES

AIRCRAFT BODIES

SAUCEPANS

Aluminium is not as reactive as one would predict from its position in the reactivity series.

THIN LAYER OF OXIDE

This is because a thin layer of oxide quickly forms on the surface and prevents any further reaction taking place.

USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM

LOW DENSITY AND ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

LOW DENSITY needs to be an alloyed with other metals for extra strength GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY

OVERHEAD CABLES

AIRCRAFT BODIES

SAUCEPANS

Aluminium is not as reactive as one would predict from its position in the reactivity series.

THIN LAYER OF OXIDE

This is because a thin layer of oxide quickly forms on the surface and prevents any further reaction taking place.

ANODISING puts on a controlled layer of oxide so the metal can be used for household items such as pans and electrical goods.

USES OF ALUMINIUM
ANODISING

This puts on a controlled layer of oxide so that the metal can be used for household items such as pans and electrical goods. The aluminium object is made the anode in the electrolysis of dilute sulphuric acid.
Oxygen given of at the anode reacts with the aluminium surface, to build up a very thin film of oxide. aluminium object to be anodised

cathode
dilute sulphuric acid

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

Pb2+
Br-

Br-

ANODE CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

Pb Pb2+
Br-

Br

Br

Br-

ANODE CATHODE

2BrPb2+ + 2e-

Br2 + 2ePb

OXIDATION REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

SO42-

ANODE CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

H H H H

O O SO42-

ANODE CATHODE

4OH4H+ + 4e-

2H2O + O2 + 4e2H2

OXIDATION REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

H H H H

O O SO42-

ANODE CATHODE

4OH4H+ + 4e-

2H2O + O2 + 2H2

4e-

This electrolysis OXIDATION can be used to deduce the REDUCTION formula of water

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

SO42Cu2+

ANODE CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

O O
Cu

SO42Cu2+

ANODE CATHODE

4OH2Cu2+ + 4e-

2H2O + O2 + 4e2Cu

OXIDATION REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

A different reaction takes place if the anode is made of copper

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

SO42Cu2+

Cu

ANODE CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

Cu

SO42Cu2+

Cu

ANODE CATHODE

Cu Cu2+ + 2e-

Cu2+ + 2eCu

OXIDATION REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

Cu

SO42Cu2+

Cu

ANODE CATHODE

Cu Cu2+ + 2e-

Cu2+ + 2eCu

This electrolysis can be used to OXIDATION purify copper or copper plate REDUCTION objects

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID

Cl-

ANODE CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID

H H

Cl Cl-

Cl

ANODE CATHODE

2Cl2H+ + 2e-

Cl2 + 2eH2

OXIDATION REDUCTION

COMPOSITION OF WATER
WATER IS AN EXTREMELY POOR CONDUCTOR OF ELECTRICITY. Dilute sulphuric acid must be added to improve Its conductivity.
HOFFMAN VOLTAMETER

Fill both limbs of a Hoffman Voltameter with water, (acidified with a small amount of dilute sulphuric acid). Pass a direct current through the apparatus.
ANODE (+) - a colourless gas collected - the gas re-lit a glowing splint - a colourless gas collected - its volume was twice that at anode - gas exploded with a squeaky pop when a lighted splint was applied Water can be split into its elements by passing electricity through it. water > hydrogen (2 vols) + oxygen (1 vol).

CATHODE (-)

Conclusion

ELECTROLYSIS
THE END

2011 JONATHAN HOPTON & KNOCKHARDY PUBLISHING