Electrolysis
Electrolytes
Electrolytes - Ionic compounds that are in a molten state or dissolved in water
● Ions in electrolytes are free to move within their solution
Electrolysis - The breakdown of electrolytes using a direct current
● The free moving ions are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes, which are
connected to the energy supply
Electrodes and ions
Cathode - The negatively charged electrode
Anode - The positively charged electrode
● Positive ions move to the cathode
● Negative ions move to the anode
Products of electrolysis
● When ions reach an electrode they gain or lose electrons
○ This results in them forming atoms or molecules of elements
● Positive ions gain electrons from the cathode
● Negative ions lose electrons at the anode
Electrolytes
Electrolytes - Ionic compounds that are in a molten state or dissolved in water
● Ions in electrolytes are free to move within their solution
Electrolysis - The breakdown of electrolytes using a direct current
● The free moving ions are attracted to the oppositely charged electrodes, which are
connected to the energy supply
Electrodes and ions
Cathode - The negatively charged electrode
Anode - The positively charged electrode
● Positive ions move to the cathode
● Negative ions move to the anode
Products of electrolysis
● When ions reach an electrode they gain or lose electrons
○ This results in them forming atoms or molecules of elements
● Positive ions gain electrons from the cathode
● Negative ions lose electrons at the anode
