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CIE IGCSE Chemistry: 4.1 Electrolysis
CIE IGCSE Chemistry: 4.1 Electrolysis
CIE IGCSE Chemistry: 4.1 Electrolysis
4.1 Electrolysis
Contents
4.1.1 Electrolysis Principles
4.1.2 Electrolysis of Molten Compounds
4.1.3 Electrolysis of Aqueous Sodium Chloride & Dilute Sulfuric Acid
4.1.4 Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions
4.1.5 Ionic Half Equations
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Particles in ionic compounds are in fixed position in the solid state but can move around when molten or
in solution
Key terms used in a simple electrolytic cell
Electrode is a rod of metal or graphite through which an electric current flows into or out of an
electrolyte
Electrolyte is the ionic compound in a molten or dissolved solution that conducts the electricity
Anode is the positive electrode of an electrolysis cell
Anion is a negatively charged ion which is attracted to the anode
Cathode is the negative electrode of an electrolysis cell
Cation is a positively charged ion which is attracted to the cathode
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Your notes
Exam Tip
Use the PANIC mnemonic to remember which electrode is the positive and which is the negative:
Positive (is) Anode Negative Is Cathode
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Diagram showing the direction of movement of electrons and ions in the electrolysis of NaCl
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Your notes
Worked example
Identify the product formed at the anode and cathode during the electrolysis of molten potassium
chloride.
Answer:
The ions present are potassium (K+) and chloride (Cl-)
The chloride ions are attracted to the anode and form chlorine gas
The potassium ions are attracted to the cathode and form potassium metal
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Exam Tip
Your notes
Remember electrodes need to be inert such as graphite or platinum so that they don’t participate in a
side reaction with the electrolyte.
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Your notes
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Your notes
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Your notes
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Therefore, at the cathode, hydrogen gas will be produced unless the positive ions from the ionic
compound are less reactive than hydrogen, in which case the metal is produced
Your notes
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Apparatus for the electrolysis of copper(II)sulfate using inert / passive graphite electrodes
Product at the Cathode
Cu2+ and H+ will both be attracted to the cathode but the less reactive ion will be discharged
In this case, copper is less reactive than hydrogen
Copper ions are discharged at the cathode, gain electrons and are reduced to form copper metal
The half equation for the reaction at the electrode is:
Cu2+ + 2e- → Cu
Product at the Anode
SO42- and OH- are both attracted to the anode
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Your notes
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Exam Tip
To help you remember the definitions of oxidation and reduction use OIL RIG
Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons) Reduction Is Gain (of electrons)
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