Chapter 4: Chemical changes

The process of electrolysis: Worksheet 4.12

Moving ions

1. Molten sodium chloride is an electrolyte, which means it contains ions that can
move around, and the compound is broken down as the electric current passes
through it. Explain why solid sodium chloride is not an electrolyte and does not
conduct electricity.
Solid ionic compounds do not conduct electricity because the ions are held firmly
2. Label the cathode, the anode, an anion and a cation in the diagram.

3. When a sodium ion, Na+, reaches the negative electrode it becomes an atom.
Explain how this happens.
When an ion reaches the electrode, they either loss or gain an electron depending
on their charge.
4. What happens to chloride ions, Cl−, when they reach the positive electrode?
The atoms join up to make cl2
5. Suggest why the electrolysis of molten compounds is sometimes called ‘electrolytic
decomposition’.
in solution is that the current is carried through the electrolyte by the movement of
ions 

6. Molten lead bromide is an electrolyte. Predict what would form at each electrode if
a current was passed through it.
If the current passed through it there would be Pb 2+ ions gain electrons at the cathode
and become Pb atoms. Br - ions lose electrons at the anode and become Br atoms,
which pair up to form Br 2 molecules.

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