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Electrolysis
O level Chemistry
By
Waqar Ahmad
0334-9543124
Electrochemistry
It is the branch of chemistry that deals with the inter conversion of electrical and chemical
energy. Electrical energy is associated with the electric current while the chemical energy is the
energy stored in the bonds. This field covers two types of processes:
 Electricity can be used to bring about the chemical reactions
 Chemical reactions that result in the production of electric current
Electrolysis
The process in which electric current is used to bring about a non-spontaneous redox reaction is
called electrolysis.
In this process under the influence of electric current positive ions (cations) move towards the
negative electrode (Cathode) where they gain electron and are reduced to neutral substances. On
the other hand negative ions (anions) move towards the positive electrode (Anode) where they
lose electrons and are oxidized to neutral substances.
Thus electrolysis is the breaking of a compound into its constituents under the influence of
electric current.
Overview of Electrolysis
Electrolysis involves the passing of an electric current through an
ionic substance (electrolyte) that is either molten or
dissolved in water, which leads to chemical reactions
(oxidation and reduction) at electrodes. Electrolysis is
carried out in a cell known as the electrolytic cell. An
electrolytic cell is composed of the following:

1) Source of Electricity (Battery)

2) Electrolyte
3) Two Electrodes

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1) Source of Electricity (Battery)

The current supply provides the energy necessary to create the ions in the electrolyte. Electric
current is carried by electrons in the external circuit
2) Electrolyte
Substances which can conduct electricity in the molten or dissolved in water i.e. aqueous form
and is decomposed by the electric current.
Electrolytes are usually made up of:
i. Molten or aqueous solutions of ionic compounds
ii. Aqueous solutions of acids or alkalis
In solid ionic substances the ions are held at fixed positions due to strong electrostatic forces of
attraction between the opposite ions and are not able to move so do not conduct electric current.
However when electrolyte is dissolved in water (aqueous form) or melted at its melting point
(molten form), then it is dissociated into its respective positive (cations) and negative (anions).
When electricity is passed through such electrolytic solutions then under the influence of electric
current cations move towards the negative electrode and anions move towards the positive
electrode. So, in the molten or aqueous form the ions become free and mobile and can conduct
electric current.
Non-Electrolyte
Substances that do not conduct electricity in the molten, liquid or aqueous form are known as
non-electrolyte. Examples: all covalent compounds i.e. ethanol, bromine, sugar solution,
pentane, water and vegetable oil
Conductors
Conductors are materials or substances that conduct electric current but remains chemically
unchanged during the conduction. The conduction of electricity through the metal is possible
because of freely moving valence electrons within the metal`s structure. Examples: Metals,
alloys (mixture of metals) and graphite (a form of non-metal, carbon)
Non Conductors or Insulators
Non-conductors are the substances or materials that do not allow the passage of electric current
through them. Those non-conductors which are used to protect something from electricity are
known as insulators. In case of non-conductors their valence electrons are held in fixed position
and cannot move so due to lack of mobility of valence electrons these materials do not conduct
electricity. Examples Non-metals (except graphite), sulfur, phosphorus, diamond etc. It also
include materials such as wood, glass, ceramics, plastic and rubber.

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Types of Electrolytes

Strong Electrolytes Weak Electrolyte

Substances which are fully ionized in their Substances which are fully ionized in their
aqueous solutions are called strong electrolytes. aqueous solutions are called strong
Examples strong acids, strong bases and salts. electrolytes. Examples weak acids, weak
bases.

Experiment to determine between different types of electrolytes and Non-electrolyte

In order to distinguish between different types of electrolytes we can measure the electrical
conductance of an aqueous solution containing the substance (electrolyte). Applying a voltage to
electrodes immersed in a solution of electrolyte helps in determining the relative concentration of
dissolved ions. This concentration can be judged by observing the brightness of the bulb. Greater
the concentration of the ions in the electrolyte greater will the brightness of the bulb and vice
versa. If there are no ions available then there will be no flow of current and as a result bulb will
not light up. This will be case if we use a non-electrolyte substance for the conduction of electric
current.

Bulb does not light up Bulb is the brightest Bulb lights up with very
dim light
Since ethanol is non- In this case KCl is a strong In this case the bulb lights
electrolyte there is no flow of electrolyte and it ionizes up but its brightness is less
current so the bulb does not completely to produce than the brightness in the
light up. maximum number of ions so KCl system. This is because

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it shows maximum brightness since acetic acid is a weak

due to maximum flow of electrolyte so it only ionizes
current. partially in the aqueous
solution producing only a
small number of ions for
electrical conductivity. So
there is only small flow of
current. As a result bulb
shows very less brightness.

3) Electrodes
Electrode is rod or plate (terminal) through which electric current (flow of electrons)
enter and leave the electrolyte during the process of electrolysis. Reactions occur at the
electrodes.

Types of Electrodes

Anode (+) Cathode (- )

 Anode is the positive electrode  Cathode is the negative electrode

connected to the positive terminal
of the battery.
 Negative ions (anions) are
attracted towards the anode and
where they lose electron at its
surface to form neutral atoms.
 Loss of electrons is oxidation
 Oxidation always occurs at anode.
connected to the negative terminal
of the battery.
 Positive ions (cations) are attracted
towards the cathode and where
they gain electron at its surface to
form neutral atoms.
 Gain of electrons is reduction
 Reduction always occurs at
cathode.

Discharge
Negative ions lose electrons and positive ions gain electrons to form neutral atoms. This
process is called discharge of ions and it happens on the electrodes.

TIPS
 Remember C is for cathode and C is for cutting. Cutting means to subtract or minus (-)
so cathode is the negative electrode.
 Remember A is for anode and A is for addition. Adding means (+) so anode is the
positive electrode.
 Remember PANIC = Positive Anode, negative is Cathode
 Remember OIL RIG = oxidation is loss of electrons, reduction is gain of electrons.

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Nature of Electrodes
Since the products of electrolysis are also dependent upon the nature of electrode so it is
important to classify electrodes based on their nature as well. There are two types of electrodes
based on their nature which are as follows:

Inert Electrode Active Electrode

Inert electrodes are those electrodes that do
not interfere into the electrolytic chemical
reactions and their function is to conduct
electric current only. The inert electrodes are
made up of inert metals like platinum and
graphite.
Those electrodes that takes part in the
reactions of electrolysis and is either oxidized
by dissolving in the electrolyte or reduced in
the half equation are known as active
electrodes. E.g. When a metal electrode is
present in the solution of its own ions (like Cu
metal in aqueous solution of CuSO4 ) and is
connected to the positive terminal of the
battery (anode) then the anode metal starts to
get oxidize by dissolving into positive ions.
Thus behave as an active electrode.

Nature of Electrolyte
The products of electrolysis are also effected by the nature of the electrolyte being used up in the
process. There are two types of electrolytes based on their nature which are as follows:
1) Molten Ionic Electrolyte
2) Aqueous Electrolyte
Molten Ionic Electrolyte
Molten Ionic electrolyte is generally an ionic salt which is solid at room temperature and
pressure but it is heated to such an elevated temperature that it changes its physical state to liquid
(i.e. melted)
Electrolysis of Molten Electrolyte (Ionic Compounds)
An ionic bond is formed between a metal and a non-metal. Ionic compounds do not conduct
electricity in the solid form because ions are held at fixed positions due to strong electrostatic
forces of attraction between the opposite ions. However, when the ionic compound is in the
molten form the ions become free to move and conduct electricity. In case of molten ionic
electrolyte we have one cation and one anion that makes up the ionic electrolyte.
A typical setup for the for the electrolysis of molten compounds is shown below

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The metallic ions (cations Mn+) will be

discharged at the cathode to form metal ions.
The metal ions are reduced are REDUCED to
metal at the cathode because they gain
electrons.

The non-metallic ions (anions X-1) will be

discharged at the anode to form a non-metallic atom.
The non-metallic ions are OXIDISED to non-metallic atom at the anode because they lose
electrons.

X n- → X + ne ̶

Since Halogens exist as diatomic molecules so for halogens the generalized equation can be as
follows:

2X ̶1 → X2 + 2e ̶
Since oxygen also exists as diatomic molecule and its charge is double the charge of the halogens
i.e. (- 2) so the generalized equation for the oxygen will be a bit different from halogens which is
as follows:

2O ̶ 2 → O2 + 4e ̶

Electrolysis of molten lead bromide

The chemical formula of lead bromide
is PbBr2. It is solid at room
temperature and does not conduct
electricity in the solid form because its
ions are not freely moving but it can
conduct in the molten form when its
ions get separated and become free to
move. So upon strong heating lead
bromide is dissociated into its ions.
PbBr2 → Pb2+ + 2Br -1

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Electrodes: graphite (Inert electrode)

Reactions at Anode (+)

 Br-1 Anions are attracted to the anode.

 Each Br-1 ions loses one electrons to the anode to form one bromine atom.
 Bromine is liberated at anode.

 Br -1 → Br + e
 Br -1 → Br + e
 Br + Br → Br2

2 Br -1 → Br2 + 2e (Oxidation)

Observations at Anode: Red Brown fumes of bromine produced at anode

Reactions at Cathode (-)

 Pb2+ Cations are attracted to the cathode.

 Each Pb2+ion gains two electrons from the cathode to form one sodium atom.
 Molten lead is formed at the anode.

Pb2+ + 2e → Pb ( Reduction)

Observations at Cathode: grey beads of lead under cathode

Electrolysis of molten Sodium Chloride
Electrode Ions present in Reactions at Anode (+) Reactions at Cathode (-)
s the electrolyte Oxidation Reduction
Graphite Sodium (Na+1) Cl-1 ions are attracted to the Na+1 ions are attracted to the
Chloride ( Cl-1) anode. cathode.

Each Cl-1 ions loses one Each Na+1 ion gains one

electron to the anode to form electron from the cathode to
one chlorine atom. form one sodium atom.

Chlorine gas is liberated at Molten sodium is formed at

anode. the anode.

2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + 2e Na1+ + e → Na

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Electrolysis of Molten Zinc Chloride

ZnCl2 → Zn2+ + 2Cl -1
Electrode Ions present in Reactions at Anode (+) Reactions at Cathode (-)
s the electrolyte Oxidation Reduction
Graphite Zinc (Zn )
2+
Cl  ions are attracted to the
-1
Zn  ions are attracted to the
2+

Chloride ( Cl-1) anode. cathode.

Each Cl-1 ions loses one Each Zn2+ ion gains two

electron to the anode to form electron from the cathode to
one chlorine atom. form one zinc atom.

Chlorine gas is liberated at Molten zinc is formed at the

anode. anode.

2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + 2e Zn2+ + 2e → Zn

Overall Reaction: Zn2+ + 2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + Zn

Electrolysis of Molten Aluminum Oxide

Al2O3 → Al3+ + O -2
Electrode Ions present in Reactions at Anode (+) Reactions at Cathode (-)
s the electrolyte Oxidation Reduction
Graphite Aluminum O-2 ions are attracted to the Al3+ ions are attracted to the
(Al3+) anode. cathode.
Each O-2 ions loses two
Oxide (O )-2
electron to the anode to form Each Al3+ ion gains three
one oxygen atom. electrons from the cathode to
form one Aluminum atom.
Oxygen gas is liberated at
anode. Molten aluminum is formed at
the anode.
2O ̶ 2 → O2 + 4e ̶
Al3+ + 3e → Al

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Electrolysis of Molten Sodium Iodide

NaI → Na1+ + I -1
Electrode Ions present in Reactions at Anode (+) Reactions at Cathode (-)
s the electrolyte Oxidation Reduction
Graphite Sodium (Na ) I  ions are attracted to the
1+ -1
Na  ions are attracted to the
1+

anode. cathode.
Each I-1 ions loses one
Iodide ( I )
-1
electron to the anode to form Each Na1+ ion gains one
one iodine atom. electron from the cathode to
form one sodium atom.
Iodine is liberated at anode.
Molten sodium is formed at the
2 I -1 → I2 + 2e anode.

Na1+ + e → Na

Aqueous Electrolyte
When an electrolyte is dissolved in water, then such electrolyte becomes an aqueous electrolyte.
In the electrolysis of molten electrolytes there are only two kinds of ions. However in aqueous
solutions, there are four kinds of ions; two comes from the electrolyte and two from the water.
Water dissociates into H+1 ions and OH-1 ions. Of the four ions in the aqueous solution only two
are discharged (one cation and one anion). The aqueous electrolytes can also be classified on the
basis of quantity of water in which it is dissolved. The aqueous electrolyte can be classified as
follows:
1) Dilute aqueous Electrolyte
2) Concentrated aqueous Electrolyte

Dilute aqueous Electrolyte Concentrated aqueous Electrolyte

When the quantity of water is more than the quantity
of solute (electrolyte)
E.g. when 5g of NaCl is dissolved in 100g of water.
NaCl + H2O → Na+1 + Cl-1
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Thus in case of aqueous electrolyte the
concentration of H+1 ions and OH-1 ions is greater
than the concentration of Na+1 ions and Cl-1 ions.
This means a large quantity of solute (electrolyte) is
dissolved in water. Usually the concentrated aqueous
solution contains the maximum amount of solute that
can be dissolved in the given amount of water.
E.g. when 2g of NaCl is dissolved in 5g water.
NaCl + H2O → Na+1 + Cl-1
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Here the concentration of H+1 ions and OH-1 ions is
less than the concentration of Na+1 ions and Cl-1 ions.

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So, In case of aqueous electrolyte all positive ions moves towards the negative electrode and all
the negative ions move towards the positive electrode but only one out of the positive ions is
discharged at the cathode and only one negative ion out of the anions is discharged at the anode.
Hence when we have more than one type of ions moving to an electrode selective discharge or
preferential discharge takes place. This means the ion which can lose or gain electron with the
greatest ease is discharged and the other ion which are harder to discharge remain in solution.
The Ions are discharged according to the following principles:
Preferential Discharge of Cations
The discharging of cations can be predicted by looking at their position in the reactivity series

Ions lower in the reactivity series are discharged easily as compared to

ions occupying a higher position in the reactivity series

The ions at the top of the reactivity series requires large amount of energy in order to be
discharged but as we go down the series it becomes easier to discharge. For example if both
Na1+ and H+1 are present then H+1 will discharge in preference to Na1+ because it is below in the
reactivity series and have greater discharge ability.
Similarly if both Cu2+ and H+1 are present then Cu2+ will discharge in preference to H+1 because
Cu2+ is below in the reactivity series and have greater discharge ability.

Reactivity Series of Cations

Potassium K+1 Please

Sodium Na+1 Send
Calcium Ca+2 Cats
Magnesium Mg+2 Monkeys
Aluminum Al+3 And
Zinc Zn+2 Zebras
Iron Fe+2 In
Lead Pb+2 Large
Hydrogen H+1 Hired
Copper Cu+2 Cages
Mercury Hg+2 Make
Silver Ag+1 Sure

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Platinum Pt+4 Properly locked

Preferential Discharge of Anions

The discharge of anions depends upon two factors
1) Position in the reactivity series of anions
2) Concentration of the anions

Reactivity Series of Anions

SO4 2- Send
Sulphate
NO3 -1 No
Nitrate
Cl -1 Clothes
Chloride
Br -1 Before
Bromide
I -1 I
Iodide
OH -1 Order
Hydroxide

In case of dilute solutions anions lower in the reactivity series are discharged in preference to the
ions present on the top.
However, in case of concentrated solutions the anion having higher concentration is discharged
in preference to the ion having lower concentration. Even though if the ion with higher
concentration has less preferential discharge according to reactivity series of anions.
Anions having higher concentration are discharged in preference
to anions having lower concentration.

For example in case of dilute aqueous electrolyte the concentration of the OH-1 ions is higher
than the concentration of the anions which comes from the electrolyte. As a result OH -1 will be
discharged in preference to the anion coming from electrolyte.
However, if we talk about the concentrated aqueous solution of sodium chloride then obviously
the concentration of Cl -1 ions would be greater than the concentration of the OH -1 ions. So even
though the ease of discharge of OH-1 ions is greater than Cl -1 ions according to the reactivity
series of anions but since the concentration of Cl -1 ions is greater, Cl -1 discharge to form chlorine
atoms. Two chlorine atoms bond covalently to form chlorine gas.

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Thus actually it is the concentration of the anion which determines the preferential discharge of
the anions not the reactivity series of the anions.
Electrolysis of dilute Aqueous Sodium chloride Using Graphite (Inert Electrodes)
NaCl + H2O → Na+1 + Cl-
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode (+) Reaction at Cathode (-)
Anions (-) Cations(+) Oxidation Reduction
Since OH is higher in
-1
Since H occupies a lower position
+1

Cl- Na+1 concentration as compared to in the reactivity series as compared

Cl- to Na+1. As a result H+1 will be
OH-1 H+1 Ions so OH-1 will be discharged discharged in preference to Na+1
in preference to Cl-
2 H+1 + 2e → H2
4OH → 2H2O + O2 + 4e
-1

Products at Anode: Oxygen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen

Products at Cathode: Hydrogen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen

Electrolysis of dilute Aqueous Copper Sulphate Using Graphite (Inert Electrodes)

CuSO4 + H2O → Cu+2 + SO4-2
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode Reaction at Cathode
Anions Cations
Since OH-1 is higher in Since Cu+2 occupies a lower
SO4 -2
Cu +2
concentration as compared to position in the reactivity series as
SO4-2 Ions so OH-1 will be compared to H+1. As a result Cu+2
OH-1 H+1 discharged in preference to SO4-2 will be discharged in preference to
H+1
4OH-1 → 2H2O + O2 + 4e Cu+2 + 2e → Cu

Products at Anode: Oxygen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen

Products at Cathode: Copper Observations: pink solid is formed at cathode
General Observations

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1) Since Cu2+ and OH-1 ions are removed leaving behind H+1 and SO4-2. As a result solution
becomes more acidic.
2) Blue color of solution fades as Cu2+ are being discharged.
3) Mass of cathode increases due to copper deposit.
Electrolysis of dilute aqueous sulfuric acid Using Graphite (Inert Electrodes)
H2SO4 + H2O → 2H+1 + SO4-2
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode Reaction at Cathode
Anions Cations
Since OH-1 is higher in Since there are only H+1 coming
SO4 -2
H +1
concentration as compared to from both acid and water. So H+1
SO4-2 Ions so OH-1 will be will move towards cathode and gets
OH-1 H+1 discharged in preference to SO4-2 deposited.

4OH-1 → 2H2O + O2 + 4e 2 H+1 + 2e → H2

Products at Anode: Oxygen gas

Products at Cathode: Hydrogen gas
Observations:
1) Bubbles of a gas are seen at anode
2) Bubbles of a gas are seen at cathode
3) As H+1 and OH-1 ions (or water
molecules) are being removed the
concentration of H2SO4 will increase
and the solution will become more
acidic.
4) Volumes of gases at anode and cathode
will be different. Volume ratio of H2 and
O2 will be 2: 1.
The volume ratio can be justified by
writing the overall equation of the
process which is as follows:
Overall Equation
To write overall equation both equations must have same number of electrons
At the Anode: 4OH-1 → 2H2O + O2 + 4e. The anode produces four electrons
At the Cathode: 2 H+1 + 2e → H2. The cathode equation is short of two electrons. Hence we
should first try to make them equal. This can be done by multiplying cathode equation by 2.
[(2 H+1 + 2e → H2)] ×2
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= 4 H+1 + 4e → 2H2.
Now we combine the equations.
At the Cathode: 4 H+1 + 4e → 2H2.
At the Anode: 4OH-1 → 2H2O + O2 + 4e
__________________________________
Overall: 4 H+1 + 4OH-1 → 2H2O + O2 + 2H2

______________________________________________________

Electrolysis of dilute Aqueous Potassium Bromide Using Graphite (Inert Electrodes)

KBr + H2O → K+1 + Br-
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode (+) Reaction at Cathode (-)
Anions (-) Cations(+) Oxidation Reduction
Since OH is higher in
-1
Since H occupies a lower position
+1

Br- K+1 concentration as compared to in the reactivity series as compared

Cl- to K+1. As a result H+1 will be
OH-1 H+1 Ions so OH-1 will be discharged discharged in preference to K+1
in preference to Cl-
2 H+1 + 2e → H2
4OH → 2H2O + O2 + 4e
-1

Products at Anode: Oxygen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen

Products at Cathode: Hydrogen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen

Electrolysis of concentrated Aqueous Sodium chloride (Brine solution) Using Graphite

(Inert Electrodes)
NaCl + H2O → Na+1 + Cl-
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode (+) Reaction at Cathode (-)
Anions (-) Cations(+) Oxidation Reduction
Since Cl- is higher in Since H+1 occupies a lower position
Cl- Na+1 concentration as compared to in the reactivity series as compared
OH-1 Ions as it is concentrated to Na+1. As a result H+1 will be
OH-1 H+1 aqueous solution. So Cl-will be discharged in preference to Na+1
discharged in preference to

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OH-1 Ions 2 H+1 + 2e → H2

2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + 2e

Products at Anode: Oxygen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen

Products at Cathode: Chlorine Observations: bubbles of a yellowish gas are seen
Overall Equation
At the Cathode: 2 H+1 + 2e → H2.
At the Anode: 2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + 2e
__________________________________
Overall: 4 H+1 + 2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + 2H2

______________________________________________________

 As the process continues the solution becomes alkaline because H+1 and Cl-1 ions are
being removed leaving behind Na+1 ions and the OH-1 ions (i.e. leading to the formation
of sodium hydroxide).
 Equal volume of H2 and Cl2 is produced because the overall equation suggests they have
same mole ratio i.e. 1: 1.

Electrolysis of concentrated Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid Using Graphite (Inert Electrodes)

HCl + H2O → H+1 + Cl-
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode (+) Reaction at Cathode (-)
Anions (-) Cations(+) Oxidation Reduction
Since Cl -
is higher in Since H occupies a lower position
+1

Cl- concentration as compared to in the reactivity series as compared

OH-1 Ions as it is concentrated to Na+1. As a result H+1 will be
OH-1 H+1 aqueous solution. So Cl-will be discharged in preference to Na+1
discharged in preference to
OH-1 Ions although OH-1 ion has 2 H+1 + 2e → H2
a higher discharge potential
according to the reactivity
series of anions. Since the
concentration is the deciding
factor hence, Cl-1 is discharged

2 Cl -1 → Cl2 + 2e
Products at Anode: Oxygen Observations: bubbles of a gas are seen
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Products at Cathode: Chlorine Observations: bubbles of a yellowish gas are seen

Electrolysis of dilute Aqueous Copper Sulphate Using Copper (Active) Electrodes
We have already studied the electrolysis of aqueous copper sulphate using graphite (inert)
electrodes where OH-1 were discharged at anode to form oxygen gas and Cu +2 at cathode to form
copper solid. However if some metal like copper electrodes are used they take part in the
electrolysis and affect the ions that are discharged.
In the electrolysis of aqueous copper sulphate when copper is used as electrode, the reaction at
anode changes. Here the copper atom detach from the surface of anode to form Cu +2 ions (anode
dissolves). While the reaction at cathode remains the same and involves the deposition of the
Cu+2 ions on the cathode to form pink solid copper
CuSO4 + H2O → Cu+2 + SO4-2
H2O ↔ H+1 + OH-1
Ions Present
Reaction at Anode Reaction at Cathode
Anions Cations
The copper dissolves by losing Since Cu+2 occupies a lower
SO4 -2
Cu +2
electrons to form Cu+2 ions. As a position in the reactivity series as
result the electrode size compared to H+1. As a result Cu+2
OH-1 H+1 decreases. will be discharged in preference to
H+1. Cu+2 will be reduced to Cu
Cu → Cu+2 + 2e producing a pink solid (Cu). So size
and mass of Cathode increases.

Cu+2 + 2e → Cu

There is no change in the concentration of the solution as the loss of each Cu2+ is replaced by
Cu+2 by released by dissolving anode. Thus there is no color change and the solution remains
blue. Only the cathode increases in size by gaining copper and the anode decreases in size by
losing copper. This method is also used in the purification of Copper.

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Application of Electrolysis
1) Purification of Copper
2) Electroplating
3) Extraction of Aluminum

1) Purification of Copper
Electrolysis is used to purify metals such as copper. This is similar to the process of dilute
Aqueous Copper Sulphate Using Copper (Active) Electrodes. The raw materials for the process
are:
Anode Cathode Electrolyte
Impure Copper bar (Ore) Pure Copper Strip Aqueous Copper Sulphate

Reactions at Anode
During the process the copper dissolves from the impure anode
and goes into the solution as copper ions. Impurities in the
copper ore (i.e. anode) do not dissolve and instead fall off the
anode as the anode sludge.

-
Cu (s)→ Cu+2(aq) + 2e

Reactions at cathode
At the cathode Cu2+ ions gain electrons and are deposited as copper solid.

-
Cu+2(aq) + 2e → Cu (s)

So during the process anode dissolves and cathode increases in size and we get graeter mass of
copper.
2) Electroplating
Electroplating is the coating of a metallic object (which is likely to corrode) with a thin layer of
another metal by the process of electrolysis. The purpose of electroplating is to protect the
metallic object (which is prone to corossion) and make it look more attractive.Generally metals
used to electroplate are corrosion resistant, shiny and occupies a lower position in the reactivity
series.

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During the process of electroplating the cathode is made up of the object that needs to be
electroplated and the anode is metal we wish to plate with. The electrolyte is an aqeous salt
solution of the plating metal.
Electrplating of Iron Object with Silver
Reaction at Anode
The anode is made up of silver. Silver anode dissolves by losing electrons as Ag +1 in solution, so
size of anode decreases.
-
Ag (s)→ Ag+1(aq) + e

Reaction at Cathode
The object to be plated is made the cathode. Ag+1 ions gain electrons at cathode to become
silver atoms. Hence silver is deposited on the object as the thin layer.
-
Ag+1(aq) + e → Ag (s)

Electroplating of Copper

Electrolysis By Waqar Ahmad 0334-9543124

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Gold Plating
Anode Cathode Electrolyte
Gold metal Object to be electroplated Gold soluble salt

Electrolysis By Waqar Ahmad 0334-9543124