5.

ELECTRICITY AND
CHEMISTRY
Pg No. 124 to 141
ELECTROLYSIS
Electrolysis
• Electrolysis is the breakdown of an
ionic compound, molten or in
solution, by the passage of
electricity through it.

• The substance which is

decomposed during electrolysis is
called the electrolyte.

• An electrolyte is a substance that

conducts electricity when in the
molten state or in solution.
Molten salt
TYPES OF ELECTROLYTE
1. MOLTEN ELECTROLYTE
2. AQUEOUS ELECTROLYTE
Example 1: Molten Electrolyte
Electrolysis of Lead bromide
AT CATHODE AT ANODE
For lead metal to be formed, or deposited, at the To form bromine molecules each bromide ion must
cathode, the lead ions must be attracted to and move first of all move to the anode and lose its extra negative
towards the electrode. charge at the anode and so form a neutral bromine atom:

To produce lead metal atoms these lead ions must

each collect two bromide ions (Br−) are attracted to
the anode electrons at the cathode:

Two bromine atoms then combine to form a bromine

molecule:

This process of gaining electrons is called reduction.

This process of losing electrons is called oxidation.

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD
(II) BROMIDE
ELECTROLYSIS OF OTHER MOLTEN
COMPOUNDS WITH CARBON ELECTRODES
ELECTROLYSIS OF OTHER MOLTEN
COMPOUNDS WITH CARBON ELECTRODES
Molten NaCl as electrolyte
BATTERY
Example 2: Aqueous Electrolyte
 Dilute Sodium Chloride(Aqueous) Electrolyte
Na+ ions migrate toward the negative
electrode and the Cl- ions migrate toward
the positive electrode.
At Cathode:
But, now there are two substances
that can be reduced at the cathode:
Na+ ions and H+.

H+ in water discharge easier than

Na+ ions, therefore the only product
formed at the cathode is hydrogen gas.
H+

Half Equation
2H+ (aq) + 2e- -----→ H2(g) Na+ ions remain in solution
 Dilute Sodium Chloride(Aqueous) Electrolyte
Na+ ions migrate toward the negative
electrode and the Cl- ions migrate toward
the positive electrode.

At Anode:
There are two substances that can
be reduced at the Anode: OH- ions
and Cl-. O2

OH- ions discharge easier than Cl- ions,

therefore the only product formed at the
cathode is Oxygen gas (O2).
OH- H+

Half Equation
4 OH- (aq) -----→ 2H2O (l) + O2(g) + 4e- Cl- ions remain in solution
 Concentrated Sodium Chloride Electrolyte
Na+ ions migrate toward the negative
electrode and the Cl- ions migrate toward
the positive electrode.

But, now there are two substances

that can be reduced at the cathode:
Na+ ions and water molecules.

H+ in water discharge easier than

Na+ ions, therefore the only product
formed at the cathode is hydrogen gas.
Molten -vs- Aqueous NaCl
Concentrated HCl
Hydrogen
Cathode
Dilute H2SO4
Example 3:
Copper Chloride Electrolyte
Example 4:
Copper as Electrode
ELECTROPLATING
• Electroplating is the process
involving electrolysis to plate, or
coat, one metal with another or
a plastic with a metal.
Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel Cell
• A Hydrogen-Oxygen Fuel
cell is a chemical cell Electrolyte
which uses hydrogen as a
fuel.
• Combustion of hydrogen
produces water and
thermal energy.

2H2 + O2 → 2H2O + electrical energy

 Advantages
1. Renewable and Readily Available
2. Hydrogen is a Clean and Flexible Energy Source to support
Zero-Carbon Energy Strategies
3. More Powerful and Energy Efficient than Fossil Fuels
4. Highly Efficient when Compared to Other Energy Sources
5. Almost Zero Emissions
6. Reduces Carbon Footprints
7. Fast Charging Times
8. No Noise Pollution
9. No Visual Pollution
10. Long Usage Times
11. Ideal for Use in Remote Areas
12. Versatility of Use
Disadvantages
1. Hydrogen Extraction
2. Investment is Required
3. Cost of Raw Materials
4. Regulatory Issues
5. Overall Cost
6. Hydrogen Storage
7. Infrastructure
8. Highly Flammable
ASSESSMENT
QUIZ