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Questions and Answers
What is the process of passing an electric current through a substance to bring about a chemical reaction called?
Electrolysis
What type of electrode attracts cations in electrolysis?
Cathode
What are the two types of electrodes used in electrolysis?
Cathode and anode
What determines which ions get discharged at the cathode and anode during electrolysis?
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In what type of electrolyte are ions from the substance and ions from water present?
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What is the reaction at the cathode in electrolysis when cations gain electrons?
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Study Notes
- Electrolysis is the process of passing an electric current through a substance to bring about a chemical reaction.
- Electrolysis involves using an electrolyte, which is a liquid substance conducting electrical current when molten or dissolved in water.
- In electrolysis, there are two electrodes: the cathode (negative electrode) and the anode (positive electrode).
- The cathode attracts cations and the anode attracts anions.
- At the cathode, cations gain electrons to produce metals or hydrogen gas.
- The reaction at the anode varies depending on whether it is inert (made of carbon or platinum) or reactive (made of metals like zinc or copper).
- Electrolytes can be molten (melted form) or aqueous (dissolved in water).
- Aqueous electrolytes contain ions from the substance and ions from water, like hydrogen and hydroxide ions.
- The discharge of ions at the cathode and anode is determined by the electrochemical series, with ions lower on the list having a greater tendency to discharge.
- Concentrated solutions affect which ions get discharged during electrolysis.
- The process of electrolysis can be used for various applications, such as electroplating metals with copper.
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Description
Learn about electrolysis, a chemical process involving the passage of electric current through a substance to trigger a reaction. Discover the key components like electrolytes and electrodes, as well as the importance of cathode and anode reactions in producing metals or gases. Explore the different types of electrodes and electrolytes used in various applications.
