Name: ________________________

The principles of electrolysis Date: _______________

Complete the notes below

anode molten hydrogen hydrogen electrode

cathode hydrogen copper decomposition ionic
conduct hydroxide reactive negative negative

An __________ compound is formed of charged particles. When ____________ or in solution, the ions are

able to move freely and ______________ electricity.Electrolysis is the __________________________ of a

liquid by passing an electric current through it. Electrolysis involves redox reactions: ions lose electrons at

the positive electrode (__________) and gain electrons at the ________________ __________________

(cathode).In the electrolysis of molten potassium chloride:

When electrolysing aqueous ionic compounds, the hydrogen and __________________ ions in water may

become involved in the reaction.If this happens, ________________ or oxygen may form. If an ionic

compound contains a metal that is more ________________ than hydrogen, electrolysis of a solution of the

compound produces hydrogen at the ________________ electrode. Electrolysis of copper sulfate (aq)

produces pure ____________ at the cathode, as copper is less reactive than ________________.

Electrolysis of sodium chloride (aq) produces hydrogen at the ______________, as sodium is more reactive

than ________________.

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 TEACHER ANSWER SHEET

The principles of electrolysis

Complete the notes below

anode molten hydrogen hydrogen electrode

cathode hydrogen copper decomposition ionic
conduct hydroxide reactive negative negative

An ionic compound is formed of charged particles. When molten or in solution, the ions are able to

move freely and conduct electricity.Electrolysis is the decomposition of a liquid by passing an electric

current through it. Electrolysis involves redox reactions: ions lose electrons at the positive electrode

( anode ) and gain electrons at the negative electrode (cathode).In the electrolysis of molten

potassium chloride:

When electrolysing aqueous ionic compounds, the hydrogen and hydroxide ions in water may become

involved in the reaction.If this happens, hydrogen or oxygen may form. If an ionic compound contains a

metal that is more reactive than hydrogen, electrolysis of a solution of the compound produces hydrogen

at the negative electrode. Electrolysis of copper sulfate (aq) produces pure copper at the cathode, as

copper is less reactive than hydrogen .

Electrolysis of sodium chloride (aq) produces hydrogen at the cathode , as sodium is more reactive than

hydrogen .

Created at Quickworksheets.net Page 2