Chapter 6

ELECTROCHEMISTRY

Electrolytes
Substances that can conduct electricity either in molten state or aqueous solution, and undergo chemical changes. Eg : acids, alkalis, ionic substances (salt solutions, molten salts).

Non-electrolytes
Substances that cannot conduct electricity either in molten state or aqueous solution. Eg: covalent substances ( organic solvent ).

Are conductors electrolytes ?

Ionic compounds do not conduct electricity in solid state ions are held in a lattice & do not move freely. However, when they are melted or dissolve in water, ions are now free to move. Thus, they can conduct electricity.
+ + + + + +
Solid NaCl

Molten / aqueous NaCl

Covalent compounds exist as molecules in organic solvents. Thus, they do not conduct electricity. However, HCl & NH3 in water conduct electricity.
HCl(l) + H2O(l) H3O+(aq) + Cl(aq) NH3(l) + H2O(l) NH4+(aq) + OH(aq)

Electrolysis of molten compounds

Electrolysis process whereby a compound is decomposed into its constituent elements when electric current passes through an electrolyte.

An electrolytic cell
Battery

Electrodes
Electrolyte

Electrode - conductor which carry electric current in & out of the electrolyte during electrolysis.
Anode electrode connected to the positive terminal of source of electricity. cathode electrode connected to the negative terminal of source of electricity.

Process of electrolysis involves 2 stages : (a) Movement of ions to electrodes Cations (+ve ions ) cathode (ve ) Anions (ve ions ) anode (+ve ) (b) Discharge of ions Cations discharged at the cathode by accepting e from cathode. Anions discharged at the anode by donating e to the anode. Electrons flow from anode to cathode through external circuit.

Current e e

Br
Br

e e
Pb2+

Br
Pb2+

Pb2+

e Pb2+
Br

Pb2+

Electrolysis of lead (II) bromide

At cathode, Pb2+ ions are discharged by accepting 2e to form lead atom. Half equation: Pb2+(l) + 2e Pb(s)
At anode, Br ion are discharged by donating 2e to form bromine molecules. Half equation: 2Br(l) Br2(g) + 2e

Overall equation : Pb2+(l) + 2Br(l) Br2(g) + Pb(s)

Take in meaningful words like a sponge absorbing water ; Remain uninfluenced by gossip like cement that water quickly evaporates off of.
~ Still Thoughts