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Questions and Answers
In an electrolytic cell, what determines the rate of ion flow through the electrolyte?
In an electrolytic cell, what determines the rate of ion flow through the electrolyte?
- The type of electrode material used, with gold electrodes providing the highest flow rate.
- The ambient temperature of the room, as higher temperatures always increase ion mobility regardless of voltage.
- The size of the electrodes; larger electrodes exponentially increase the ion flow.
- The concentration of the solution and the potential difference across the cell. (correct)
During the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, which of the following occurs at the cathode?
During the electrolysis of molten sodium chloride, which of the following occurs at the cathode?
- Chloride ions ($Cl^−$) are attracted, gain electrons, and form chlorine gas.
- Chloride ions ($Cl^−$) are attracted, lose electrons, and form chlorine gas.
- Sodium ions ($Na^+$) are repelled, gain electrons, and form sodium metal.
- Sodium ions ($Na^+$) are attracted, gain electrons, and form sodium metal. (correct)
If a student is setting up an experiment to demonstrate electrolysis, which of the following materials must be present to ensure the process can occur?
If a student is setting up an experiment to demonstrate electrolysis, which of the following materials must be present to ensure the process can occur?
- A metallic conductor, non-reactive electrodes, and a vacuum environment.
- A non-electrolyte solution, reactive electrodes, and a heat source.
- A molten ionic compound or aqueous ionic solution, electrodes, and a power supply. (correct)
- A solid ionic compound, inert electrodes, and a strong magnet.
Why must the liquid in an electrolysis setup be either a molten ionic compound or an aqueous solution?
Why must the liquid in an electrolysis setup be either a molten ionic compound or an aqueous solution?
Consider an electrolytic cell containing a solution of copper(II) sulfate ($CuSO_4$). What would you expect to observe at the cathode as electrolysis proceeds?
Consider an electrolytic cell containing a solution of copper(II) sulfate ($CuSO_4$). What would you expect to observe at the cathode as electrolysis proceeds?
In an electrolytic cell, the anode is defined as the electrode where:
In an electrolytic cell, the anode is defined as the electrode where:
If the electrical wiring within the electrodes of an electrolytic cell is made of copper, what role do electrons play in conducting electrical charge?
If the electrical wiring within the electrodes of an electrolytic cell is made of copper, what role do electrons play in conducting electrical charge?
Which statement accurately describes the movement of charge carriers in an electrolytic process?
Which statement accurately describes the movement of charge carriers in an electrolytic process?
Flashcards
Electrolysis
Electrolysis
Using electrical current to drive chemical changes in a liquid.
Electrolyte
Electrolyte
A liquid containing ions that can conduct electricity.
Cations
Cations
Positive ions attracted to the cathode during electrolysis.
Anions
Anions
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Anode
Anode
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Cathode
Cathode
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Conductive Liquid
Conductive Liquid
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Charge Carriers
Charge Carriers
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Study Notes
Electrolysis Overview
- Electrolysis involves electrical current flowing through a liquid, leading to chemical changes.
Electrolytic Conduction
- The liquid must be a molten ionic compound or an aqueous solution to conduct electricity.
- Molten sodium chloride (table salt heated above 801°C) contains free-flowing positive sodium ions and negative chloride ions.
- Positive ions are called cations.
- Negative ions are called anions.
Role of Electrodes
- Electrical conductors, like copper, are used as electrodes.
- Connecting electrodes to a power supply enables current flow.
- Electrons in a metal aren't bound to atoms; they form a sea of electrons that move when voltage is applied, facilitating current flow.
Ion Movement
- Applying voltage to electrodes makes one positive and the other negative.
- Positive sodium ions are attracted to the negative electrode.
- Negative chloride ions are attracted to the positive electrode, due to opposite charges attracting.
- Electron exchange happens when the ions meet the electrodes, causing a chemical reaction.
- Solids can form, gases can be given off, and new solutions can be left behind.
Electrode Terminology
- The positive electrode is called the anode (attracts anions).
- The negative electrode is called the cathode (attracts cations).
Electrolytes
- The liquid conducts electrical current via ion movement.
- A liquid with free-moving ions that can conduct electricity is called an electrolyte.
- Electrolysis can occur in both ionic solutions and molten compounds.
- A more concentrated solution increases ion flow rate.
- Increasing voltage increases ion flow rate.
Key Concepts of Electrolysis
- Electrolysis involves electrical current flow in a conducting solution or molten liquid, causing chemical changes.
- The conducting liquid, known as an electrolyte, contains free-moving ions.
- Conducting plates, bars, or wires inserted into the electrolyte are called electrodes.
- Positive ions (cations) are attracted to the cathode.
- Negative ions (anions) are attracted to the anode.
- Ions carry the electrical charge when current flows in an electrolyte.
- Electrons carry the electrical charge when current flows in the electrodes and wires.
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