Starter:

Can you note down what

you think the word
electrolysis means!
 Electrolysis
L/O: What is the importance of electrolysis?

Identify all the key features of the

electrolysis process.

Describe what an electrolyte is.

Explain the process of electrolysis

Apply your knowledge of electrolysis and link

to some uses of electrolysis.

Key words:
Electrolyte, Cathode, Anode, Ions, Oxidation, Reduction, Electrons and Extraction.
NOW,
Whatwhat are
type of these called?
bonding is this?

Sodium Chloride
NOW,
Whatwhat are
type of these called?
bonding is this?
 Now lets describe electrolysis!
If we dissolve (NaCl) in
water, it can conduct
electricity. This is because
the ions are free to move.

We call this an electrolyte

solution.
BUT HOW?
 Can you describe what is happening in the
picture?
Use this to help write you
description:
Negative ions = anions

Positive ions = cations

Reduction occurs at cathode =

gaining electrons

Oxidation occurs at anode = loss of

electrons

Hydrogen gas produced

Chlorine gas produced

 Activity 1:

1. Label the diagram of the equipment used to extract

aluminium. Use these labels:

a. molten aluminium oxide

b. molten aluminium
c. negative electrode (Cathode)
d. solid crust of aluminium oxide
e. electrolyte
f. Positive electrode (Anode)

Stretch:

Where is oxidation occurring?

Where is reduction occurring?
 Progress check-Self assessment
Example answer:
The negative Cl – anions move to the anode and
are reduced as they gain electrons. This forms
chlorine gas.

The positive H+ and Na + cations move to the

cathode and are oxidised because they lose
electrons. Hydrogen gas is produced.

This is why the electrolyte solution of NaCl can

conduct electricity.
Mini-plenary match up the words
with their descriptions
Test for Oxygen The substance being broken down

Test for Hydrogen Positive electrode

Electrolyte Makes a ‘popping’ noise when lit

Splitting a substance using
Anode electricity

Cathode Relights a glowing splint

Anion Negative electrode

Cation Positive ion

Electrolysis Negative ion

 Match up the words with their
descriptions
Test for Oxygen The substance being broken down

Test for Hydrogen Positive electrode

Electrolyte Makes a ‘popping’ noise when lit

Splitting a substance using
Anode electricity

Cathode Relights a glowing splint

Anion Negative electrode

Cation Positive ion

Electrolysis Negative ion

Uses of electrolysis
Can you remember how we
extract metals?
Metals above carbon
have to be extracted
using electrolysis

This is the most

common use of
electrolysis.
 Uses of electrolysis
Other uses:

• Can be used to produce hydrogen as

a source of fuel.

• Can be used to produce oxygen for

nuclear rockets and submarines.
Plenary:

On another mini post-it

note, write down anything
you now know or have
learnt about electrolysis.