Electrolysis of Molten Compounds

Diagram – Book pg-103- fig. 10.2

Method:
 Add lead (II) bromide into a crucible and heat so it will turn molten, allowing ions to
be free to move and conduct an electric charge
 Add two graphite rods as the electrodes and connect this to a power pack or battery
 Turn on the power pack or battery and allow electrolysis to take place
 Negative bromide ions move to the positive electrode (anode) and lose one electron
each to form bromine molecules. There is bubbling at the anode as brown bromine
gas is given off
 Positive lead ions move to the negative electrode (cathode) and gain two electrons
each to form grey lead metal which deposits on the bottom of the electrode
Electrode Products:
Anode: Bromine gas
Cathode: Lead metal
When you stop heating, Lead (II) Bromide solidifies again, causing the flow of
electricity to stop, stopping the electrolysis process. Thereby there is no more
bubbling.
 One electrode is connected to the left-hand side, i.e., to the positive terminal
of the power supply. And the other one is connected to the right- hand side,
i.e., to the negative terminal.
 Now, the power source pumps