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Difference between revisions of "Electrolysis"

(Key Stage 4)
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==Key Stage 4==
 
==Key Stage 4==
 
===Meaning===
 
===Meaning===
[[Electrolysis]] is a process in which a a [[liquid]] [[Ionic Compound|ionic compound]] is [[Decompose (Chemistry)|decomposed]] by passing an [[Electrical Current|electrical current]] through it.
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[[Electrolysis]] is a process in which an [[Ionic Compound|ionic compound]] is [[Decompose (Chemistry)|decomposed]] by passing an [[Electrical Current|electrical current]] through it.
  
 
===About Electrolysis===
 
===About Electrolysis===

Revision as of 20:12, 13 January 2019

Key Stage 3

Meaning

A diagram showing an experimental setup to decompose Copper Chloride.

Electrolysis is a process where compounds are decomposed by an electrical current.

About Electrolysis

Electrolysis can be used to extract metals from minerals when the metal is more reactive than Carbon.

Key Stage 4

Meaning

Electrolysis is a process in which an ionic compound is decomposed by passing an electrical current through it.

About Electrolysis

In electrolysis two electrodes (an anode and a cathode) are placed in either a molten or aqueous ionic compound.
The positive ions are attracted to the negative electrode (cathode) and the negative ions are attracted to the positive electrode (anode).
When the negative ions reach the anode they lose electrons to become atoms or neutral compounds.
When the positive ions reach the cathode they gain electrons to become atoms. However, in aqueous solution if the metal ions are more reactive than Hydrogen then Hydrogen gas will be produced.