Electrolysis and moving ions

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Lektionsnotizen

Big idea: electrolysis and moving ions

  • Key concept: Systems. Mobile positive ions move towards the negative cathode and gain electrons. Negative ions move towards the positive anode and lose electrons.
  • Related concepts: Models and evidence. Use a scientific explanation to make predictions, then test it against observations.
  • Global context: Scientific and technical innovation. Electrolysis separates elements from compounds using electrical energy.

Electrolysis Principles

  • Electrolysis is the breakdown of a molten or aqueous ionic compound by an electric current.
  • Covalent compounds and solid ionic compounds cannot undergo electrolysis because they have no free mobile ions.
  • Electrolyte: molten or dissolved ionic compound that conducts electricity.
  • Anode (positive electrode) attracts anions (negative ions).
  • Cathode (negative electrode) attracts cations (positive ions).
  • Use PANIC: Positive is Anode, Negative Is Cathode.
  • Electrons flow from the negative terminal of the power supply to the cathode; they do not pass through the electrolyte.
  • Reduction (gain of electrons) occurs at the cathode; oxidation (loss of electrons) occurs at the anode.

Ionic conductivity: solid vs molten/dissolved

Ionic conductivity: solid vs molten/dissolved

Electrolysis of Molten Compounds

  • Molten binary ionic compounds decompose into their elements: metal at cathode, non-metal at anode.
  • Example: molten PbBr₂ → Pb (grey metal) at cathode, Br₂ (brown gas) at anode.
  • Ions must be free to move – compound must be molten (or in solution).
  • Electrodes must be inert (e.g., graphite or platinum) to avoid side reactions.
  • Half-equation at cathode: Pb²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Pb.
  • Half-equation at anode: 2Br⁻ → Br₂ + 2e⁻.

Electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide

Electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide

Electrolysis of Aqueous Sodium Chloride (Brine)

  • Brine contains Na⁺, Cl⁻, H⁺, OH⁻ ions.
  • At cathode: H⁺ is discharged (less reactive than Na⁺) → hydrogen gas.
  • At anode: Cl⁻ is discharged → chlorine gas.
  • Na⁺ and OH⁻ remain in solution → sodium hydroxide forms.
  • Industrial uses: Cl₂ → bleach; H₂ → margarine; NaOH → soap and detergents.

Electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine)

Electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine)

Electrolysis of Dilute Sulfuric Acid

  • Contains H⁺, SO₄²⁻, OH⁻ ions.
  • At cathode: H⁺ gains electrons → hydrogen gas.
  • At anode: OH⁻ loses electrons → oxygen gas (and water).
  • Volume of H₂ produced is twice the volume of O₂.
  • Gas tests: H₂ – lit splint gives 'squeaky pop'; O₂ – glowing splint relights.

Electrolysis of Aqueous Solutions

  • Water dissociates: H₂O ⇌ H⁺ + OH⁻ – these ions compete with solute ions.
  • At cathode: if metal is less reactive than hydrogen, metal is deposited; if more reactive, hydrogen gas is produced.
  • At anode: if halide ions (Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) are present, halogen forms; otherwise oxygen from OH⁻.
  • Concentration matters: concentrated halide → halogen; dilute halide → oxygen.
  • Example: CuSO₄(aq) with graphite electrodes → Cu at cathode, O₂ at anode; blue colour fades.
  • With copper electrodes: anode dissolves (Cu → Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻), cathode gains mass (Cu²⁺ + 2e⁻ → Cu); solution concentration remains constant.

Ionic Half-Equations

  • Oxidation Is Loss (of electrons), Reduction Is Gain (OIL RIG).
  • REDuction at CAThode (RED CAT); ANode for OXidation (AN OX).
  • Metal formation: Mⁿ⁺ + n e⁻ → M (reduction).
  • Hydrogen formation: 2H⁺ + 2e⁻ → H₂.
  • Halogen formation: 2X⁻ → X₂ + 2e⁻ (oxidation).
  • Oxygen formation: 4OH⁻ → O₂ + 2H₂O + 4e⁻.
  • Half-equations must balance atoms and charges.

Summary Table of Common Electrolyses

  • Molten PbBr₂: anode – Br₂; cathode – Pb.
  • Concentrated NaCl(aq): anode – Cl₂; cathode – H₂.
  • Dilute H₂SO₄: anode – O₂; cathode – H₂.
  • CuSO₄(aq) (inert electrodes): anode – O₂; cathode – Cu.

Think like a scientist

  • Use a teacher-approved simulation to compare ion movement when the power supply is switched on and off.
  • Comparison: whether the direct-current supply is on. Outcome: ion movement and products at each electrode.
  • Control: keep the electrolyte and electrode materials unchanged. Explain why this makes the comparison fairer.
  • Evidence: Use a consistent method, repeated observations where appropriate and a table with labelled quantities and units. Keep unexpected results and investigate their cause.
  • Safety: Practical activities need teacher supervision and an appropriate risk assessment. Use the provided data or simulation where the investigation specifies it.
  • Inquiry task: State a testable question, predict the outcome using the science, then explain how your observations would support or challenge the prediction.

Evaluate the science

  • Electrolysis separates elements from compounds using electrical energy.
  • Products depend on the electrolyte, water and electrode materials; molten and aqueous electrolytes can give different products.
  • Evaluation task: Link your conclusion to evidence, identify a limitation and suggest a specific improvement. Distinguish a measured result from an explanation of its cause.

Folien

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Übungsfragen

Gratis-Vorschau — 8 von 52 Fragen. Registriere dich, um alle zu sehen.
  1. 1.What is the name of the process in which a molten ionic compound is broken down by an electric current?

    Easy
    • AElectrolysis
    • BElectroplating
    • CElectrorefining
    • DElectrolysis of aqueous solutions
  2. 2.Which electrode is the positive electrode in an electrolysis cell?

    Easy
    • AAnode
    • BCathode
    • CElectrolyte
    • DTerminal
  3. 3.What type of ion is attracted to the cathode?

    Easy
    • ACation
    • BAnion
    • CElectron
    • DNeutral atom
  4. 4.During electrolysis, what happens at the anode?

    Easy
    • AOxidation (loss of electrons)
    • BReduction (gain of electrons)
    • CNo reaction
    • DFormation of metal
  5. 5.In the electrolysis of molten lead(II) bromide, what is produced at the cathode?

    Easy
    • ALead
    • BBromine
    • COxygen
    • DHydrogen
  6. 6.During the electrolysis of concentrated aqueous sodium chloride (brine), which gas is produced at the anode?

    Easy
    • AChlorine
    • BOxygen
    • CHydrogen
    • DNitrogen
  7. 7.In the electrolysis of dilute sulfuric acid, what is the volume ratio of hydrogen to oxygen produced?

    Medium
    • A2:1
    • B1:2
    • C1:1
    • D3:1
  8. 8.Which of the following is a suitable material for inert electrodes?

    Easy
    • AGraphite
    • BCopper
    • CIron
    • DZinc

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