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Electrolysis: Cathode and Anode Roles

The document defines electrolysis as the decomposition of a compound using electricity. It requires an electrolyte, two electrodes (cathode and anode), and a direct current circuit. During electrolysis, negatively charged ions move toward the anode and positively charged ions move toward the cathode. It then provides examples of electrolysis in different electrolyte solutions, describing the ions present and the reactions that occur at each electrode. Electrolysis can be used for processes like purification and electroplating.

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Andy
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334 views1 page

Electrolysis: Cathode and Anode Roles

The document defines electrolysis as the decomposition of a compound using electricity. It requires an electrolyte, two electrodes (cathode and anode), and a direct current circuit. During electrolysis, negatively charged ions move toward the anode and positively charged ions move toward the cathode. It then provides examples of electrolysis in different electrolyte solutions, describing the ions present and the reactions that occur at each electrode. Electrolysis can be used for processes like purification and electroplating.

Uploaded by

Andy
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.

Electrolysis* (Pure Chem)

2013 by Andy Lee (TAG)

Definition: Electrolysis is decomposition (of a compound) using electricity Electrolysis requires an electrolyte, 2 electrodes (cathode and anode) and a dc circuit to work. During electrolysis, in the presence of electric charge, negatively charged ions (anions) move towards anode and positively charged ions (cations) move towards cathode

Electrode (call cathode)

Electrode (call anode)

Electrolyte

Molten solution (i.e molten 2 ) Aqueous dilute solutions Uses Inert electrodes I.e: dil 2 4 i.e: ______________ Ions present: ______________ Ions present: ______________ At anode (positive electrode): Hydroxide is easier to discharge thus oxygen gas given off () () + () + At cathode (negative electrode): Hydrogen ions reduced to hydrogen gas + () + () Overall: () () + ()

Aqueous concentrated solutions I.e: conc HCl Ions present: ______________ At anode (positive electrode): Chlorine gas has higher conc, thus chlorine gas is discharged 2 () 2() + 2 At cathode (negative electrode): Hydrogen ions reduced to hydrogen gas 2 + () + 2 2() Overall: Conc HCl solution turns more acidic, pH increase.

Electrolysis with non-inert electrode I.e: copper sulphate solution using copper electrodes Ions present: ______________ At anode (positive electrode): Sulfate and hydroxide ions not discharged, copper from anode loses electrons to form ions

At anode (positive electrode): Brown fumes of bromine gas

2 2() + 2
At cathode (negative electrode): Lead ions turn into molten lead 2+ + 2 () Overall: 2() () + 2()

() 2+ () + 2
At cathode (negative electrode): Copper ions reduced 2+ () + 2 () Overall: Solution contents always remain Uses: Purification / Electroplating Anode: impure metal, plating metal Cathode: pure metal, object

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