Y11 2.

7 Electrolysis
Where to find resources:

 Look in k:\staff only\science\chemistry\AQA GCSE

Chemistry\C2.4 – C2.7. Here you will find the resources
mentioned here.

 AQA C2 red folder in prep room includes some of the

worksheets mentioned.

 Longman p166 - 173 and Nelson Thorne textbooks p182 - 191

are available. There are lots of good questions
Subject
Area All Students Higher Only
2.7.1 (a)

When an ionic substance is melted or

dissolved in
water, the ions are free to move about within
the
liquid or solution.

2.7.1 (b)

Passing an electric current through ionic

substances that are molten, for example lead
bromide, or in solution breaks them down
into elements. This process is called
electrolysis and the substance that is broken
down is called the electrolyte.

2.7.1 (c)

During electrolysis, positively charged ions

move to
the negative electrode, and negatively
charged ions
move to the positive electrode.

2.7.1 (d)

Electrolysis is used to electroplate objects.

This may be for a variety of reasons and
includes copper plating and silver plating.

2.7.1 (e)

At the negative electrode, positively charged

ions
gain electrons (reduction) and at the positive
electrode, negatively charged ions lose
electrons
(oxidation).

2.7.1 (f)

If there is a mixture of ions, the products

formed
depend on the reactivity of the elements
involved.

2.7.1 (g)

Reactions at
 electrodes can be
represented by
half equations, for
example:
2Cl– ➞ Cl2 + 2e–
or
2Cl– – 2e– ➞ Cl2

2.7.1 (h)

Aluminium is manufactured by the

electrolysis of a
molten mixture of aluminium oxide and
cryolite. Aluminium forms at the negative
electrode and
oxygen at the positive electrode. The positive
electrode is made of carbon, which reacts
with
the oxygen to produce carbon dioxide.

2.7.1 (i)

The electrolysis of sodium chloride solution

produces hydrogen and chlorine. Sodium
hydroxide solution is also produced. These
are important reagents for the chemical
industry, eg sodium hydroxide for the
production of soap and chlorine for the
production of bleach and plastics.
 C2.7 – Lesson 1 – Introduction to electrolysis

Aims:

1. To be able to describe when electrolysis can occur

2. To be able to explain the terms positive and negative electrode and electrolyte

3. To be able to explain the process of electrolysis as the movement of ions

4. To be able to write half equations for electrolysis

Resource (type) Description Location

C2.7 Electrolysis ppt – slides 1 – Powerpoint – use slides 1 - 3 Electronic copy in folder
3

Practical – C2.7a (C2.7.1b) Simple electrolysis of Copper Electronic copy in folder

C2.7b (C2.7.2c) – worksheet
C2.7c – worksheet
chloride
Questions on Electrolysis rules Electronic copy in folder
(can be used in summary lesson
– lesson 4)
Simple electrolysis sheet Electronic copy in folder
 C2.7 – Lesson 2 – Electrolysis of Aluminium

Aims:

1. To be able to describe how to produce molten Aluminium oxide

2. To explain the process of Aluminium electrolysis

3. To be able to explain why Aluminium is useful

4. To be able to write half equation for the reactions in Aluminium electrolysis

Resource (type) Description Location

C2. 7 Electrolysis ppt Powerpoint – use slides 4 – Electronic copy in folder
11

C2.7d (C2.7.3b) – worksheet Question sheet on Aluminium Electronic copy in folder

Manufacture

C2.7e – diagram diagram of aluminium Electronic copy in folder

electrolysis set up

C2.7f/g – Summary of Summary of aluminium Electronic copy in folder

aluminium electrolysis and electrolysis and some questions
some questions
 C2.7 – Lesson 3 – Electrolysis of Salt solution

Aims:

1. To understand the ions present in salt solution

2. To explain the uses of the product of the electrolysis of salt solution

3. To be able to explain why hydrogen gas is produced rather than sodium

Resource (type) Description Location

C2. 7 Electrolysis ppt Powerpoint – use slides 11 – Electronic copy in folder
19

C2.7h (C2.7.4b) – The chloro – a set of cards to order and Electronic copy in folder
alkali industry – worksheet explain about the electrolysis of
sodium chloride

C2.7i (C2.7.4c) – worksheet Products from salt – a Electronic copy in folder

worksheet showing the type of
cell used in the industrial
electrolysis of salt solution and
questions
 C2.7 – Lesson 4 – Electroplating and summary of Electrolysis

Aims:

1. To be able to describe what electroplating is

2. To be able to explain how electroplating is carried out and why

3. To be able to apply knowledge about electrolysis to questions.

Resource (type) Description Location

C2.7k (C2.7.2a) - Demo
C2.7j (C2.7.1c) – worksheet –
Higher Only
electroplating (order Electronic copy in folder
equipment)
– order equipment
Electrolysis questions Electronic copy in folder