ELECTROLYSIS

A guide for GCSE students

 ELECTROLYSIS
CONTENTS
• What is electrolysis?
• Electrolysis of ionic compounds
• Electrolysis of molten sodium chloride
• Electrolysis of aqueous sodium chloride (brine)
• Diaphragm cell
• Electrolysis of aluminium oxide
• Other electrolytic systems
• Electrolysis of water
 ELECTROLYSIS

Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten

or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements.
 ELECTROLYSIS

Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten

or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements.

The process is known as ELECTROLYSIS

 ELECTROLYSIS

Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten

or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements.

The process is known as ELECTROLYSIS

The substance broken down is called the ELECTROLYTE
 ELECTROLYSIS

Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten

or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements.

The process is known as ELECTROLYSIS

The substance broken down is called the ELECTROLYTE

During electrolysis…
Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode - CATHODE
Negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode - ANODE
 ELECTROLYSIS

Passing an electric current through ionic substances that are molten

or in aqueous solution, breaks them down into elements.

The process is known as ELECTROLYSIS

The substance broken down is called the ELECTROLYTE

During electrolysis…
Positively charged ions move to the negative electrode - CATHODE
Negatively charged ions move to the positive electrode - ANODE

CATHODE +ive ions gain electrons REDUCTION

ANODE - ive ions give up (lose) electrons OXIDATION
 ELECTROLYSIS OF
IONIC COMPOUNDS
CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY
 CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY

For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either…

 CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY

For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either…

electrons which are free to move about (metals / graphite)
 CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY

For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either…

electrons which are free to move about (metals / graphite)
or ions which are free to move about
 CONDUCTING ELECTRICITY

For a substance to conduct electricity it must have either…

electrons which are free to move about (metals / graphite)
or ions which are free to move about

When an ionic substance is melted or dissolved in water,

the ions are free to move about within the liquid or solution.
 ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl-

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE

NO CONDUCTION
OF ELECTRICITY

SOLID IONIC COMPOUNDS DON’T CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

 ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID MOLTEN

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

Na+ Cl-
Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+
Cl-
Cl-
Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+
Cl- Na+
Na+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE ARE FREE TO MOVE

NO CONDUCTION ELECTRICITY IS
OF ELECTRICITY CONDUCTED

MOLTEN IONIC COMPOUNDS DO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

 ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl-

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE

NO CONDUCTION
OF ELECTRICITY

SOLID IONIC COMPOUNDS DON’T CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

 ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl-

Add to water
Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE

NO CONDUCTION
OF ELECTRICITY

AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS DO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

 ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID IN AQUEOUS SOLUTION

Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+

Na+ Cl-
Na+ Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+
Cl-
Cl-
Cl- Na+ Cl- Na+
Cl- Na+
Na+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS WHEN DISSOLVED IN

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE WATER, THE IONS ARE
FREE TO MOVE
NO CONDUCTION
OF ELECTRICITY ELECTRICITY IS
CONDUCTED

AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS DO CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN SODIUM
CHLORIDE
ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE
DOWNS CELL
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT

CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT

CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE

MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT

CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE

MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE

SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE

AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON

Na+ + e- Na
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT

CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE

MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE

SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE

AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON

Na+ + e- Na
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT

CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE

MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE

SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE

AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON

Na+ + e- Na

CHLORIDE IONS GO TO THE ANODE

AND EACH GIVE UP AN ELECTRON

Cl- Cl + e-
2Cl- Cl2 + 2e-
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE

SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT

CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE

MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE

SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE

AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON

Na+ + e- Na

CHLORIDE IONS GO TO THE ANODE

AND EACH GIVE UP AN ELECTRON

Cl- Cl + e-
2Cl- Cl2 + 2e-
 ELECTROLYSIS OF SODIUM CHLORIDE
SUMMARY
SOLID SODIUM CHLORIDE DOES NOT
CONDUCT ELECTRICITY BECAUSE
THE IONS ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
TO THE ELECTRODES

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS HAVE

MORE FREEDOM AND CAN MOVE

SODIUM IONS GO TO THE CATHODE

AND EACH PICK UP AN ELECTRON

Na+ + e- Na

CHLORIDE IONS GO TO THE ANODE

AND EACH GIVE UP AN ELECTRON

Cl- Cl + e-
2Cl- Cl2 + 2e-
ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS SODIUM
CHLORIDE (BRINE)
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES

IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES

IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE

WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS

 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES

IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE

WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS

POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO

THE NEGATIVE CATHODE...
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES

IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE

WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS

POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO

THE NEGATIVE CATHODE...
OF THE TWO, HYDROGEN IONS ARE
PREFERRED
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES

IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE

WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS

POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO

THE NEGATIVE CATHODE...
OF THE TWO, HYDROGEN IONS ARE
PREFERRED

NEGATIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO

THE POSITIVE ANODE...
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

WHEN SODIUM CHLORIDE DISSOLVES

IN WATER, THE IONS SEPARATE

WATER CONTAINS A FEW IONS

POSITIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO

THE NEGATIVE CATHODE...
OF THE TWO, HYDROGEN IONS ARE
PREFERRED

NEGATIVE IONS ARE ATTRACTED TO

THE POSITIVE ANODE...
OF THE TWO, CHLORIDE IONS ARE
PREFERRED
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H

2H+ + 2e- H2

The atoms form molecules and

hydrogen gas H2 is produced
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H

2H+ + 2e- H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

Cl- Cl + e-
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H

2H+ + 2e- H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

Cl- Cl + e-

2Cl- Cl2 + 2e-

The atoms form molecules and
chlorine gas Cl2 is produced
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H

2H+ + 2e- H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

Cl- Cl + e-

2Cl- Cl2 + 2e- SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SOLUTION REMAINS
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE

AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE

HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H

2H+ + 2e- H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

Cl- Cl + e-

2Cl- Cl2 + 2e- SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SOLUTION REMAINS
 ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
SUMMARY
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE
HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

H+ + e- H

2H+ + 2e- H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS

Cl- Cl + e-

2Cl- Cl2 + 2e- SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SOLUTION REMAINS
 INDUSTRIAL
ELECTROLYSIS
OF BRINE
 SODIUM CHLORIDE
THE DIAPHRAGM CELL

CHLORINE GAS HYDROGEN GAS

BRINE

IONS

IONS

SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
DIAPHRAGM SOLUTION
(CAUSTIC SODA)
STOPS CHLORINE MIXING
WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS AN ADVANTAGE OF
ELECTROLYSING BRINE
RATHER THAN MOLTEN
SODIUM CHLORIDE?
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS AN ADVANTAGE OF LESS ENERGY IS NEEDED

ELECTROLYSING BRINE BECAUSE YOU DON’T HAVE TO
RATHER THAN MOLTEN MELT THE SODIUM CHLORIDE;
SODIUM CHLORIDE? IT HAS A HIGH MELTING POINT
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE

POSITIVE ANODE?
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE CHLORIDE IONS ARE OXIDISED

POSITIVE ANODE?
Cl¯ – e¯ Cl
2Cl¯ – 2e¯ Cl2
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE

NEGATIVE CATHODE?
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT HAPPENS AT THE HYDROGEN IONS ARE REDUCED

NEGATIVE CATHODE?
H+ + e¯ H
2H+ + 2e¯ H2
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS THE
DIAPHRAGM FOR?
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS THE PREVENTS CHLORINE COMING INTO

DIAPHRAGM FOR? CONTACT WITH ANY SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS ALSO
PRODUCED?
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
IMPORTANT ASPECTS

CHLORINE HYDROGEN

BRINE

IONS

IONS SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
(CAUSTIC SODA)
DIAPHRAGM

WHAT IS ALSO THE SOLUTION CONTAINS SODIUM

PRODUCED? IONS AND HYDROXIDE IONS SO
SODIUM HYDROXIDE IS PRODUCED
 THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
INDUSTRIAL IMPORTANCE

The products of the electrolysis of brine are of great

industrial importance…

CHLORINE making bleach

making plastics such as pvc

HYDROGEN used as fuel

used in margarine production

SODIUM production of soaps and detergents

HYDROXIDE used in the paper industry
EXTRACTION OF
ALUMINIUM BY
ELECTROLYSIS
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTROLYSIS
Unlike iron, aluminium cannot be extracted using carbon.
(Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series)
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTROLYSIS
Unlike iron, aluminium cannot be extracted using carbon.
(Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series)

Reactive metals are extracted using electrolysis

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTROLYSIS
Unlike iron, aluminium cannot be extracted using carbon.
(Aluminium is above carbon in the reactivity series)

Reactive metals are extracted using electrolysis

Electrolysis is expensive - it requires a lot of energy…

- ore must be molten (ores have high melting points)

- electricity is needed for the electrolysis process

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

RAW MATERIALS
BAUXITE aluminium ore
Bauxite contains alumina (Al2O3 aluminium oxide) plus
impurities such as iron oxide – it is purified before use.
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

RAW MATERIALS
BAUXITE aluminium ore
Bauxite contains alumina (Al2O3 aluminium oxide) plus
impurities such as iron oxide – it is purified before use.

CRYOLITE Aluminium oxide has a very

high melting point.
Adding cryolite lowers the
melting point and saves
energy.
EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

THE CELL CONSISTS OF A

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

CARBON ANODE

THE CELL CONSISTS OF A CARBON ANODE

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

STEEL
CATHODE
CARBON
LINING

THE CELL CONSISTS OF A CARBON LINED

STEEL CATHODE
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

MOLTEN
ALUMINA and
CRYOLITE

ALUMINA IS DISSOLVED IN MOLTEN CRYOLITE Na3AlF6

SAVES ENERGY - the mixture melts at a lower temperature
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

MOLTEN
ALUMINA and
CRYOLITE

ALUMINA IS DISSOLVED IN MOLTEN CRYOLITE Na3AlF6

aluminium and oxide ions are now free to move
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

POSITIVE
ALUMINIUM IONS
ARE ATTRACTED
TO THE
NEGATIVE
CATHODE

CARBON CATHODE

Al3+ + 3e- Al
EACH ION PICKS UP 3 ELECTRONS AND IS DISCHARGED
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

NEGATIVE OXIDE
IONS ARE CARBON ANODE
ATTRACTED TO
THE POSITIVE
ANODE

O2- O + 2e-
EACH ION GIVES UP 2 ELECTRONS AND IS DISCHARGED
EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTRONS

CARBON ANODE

CARBON CATHODE
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTRONS
OXIDATION (LOSS OF
ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE
AT THE ANODE
CARBON ANODE

ANODE 3O2- 1½O2 + 6e- OXIDATION

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTRONS
OXIDATION (LOSS OF
ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE
AT THE ANODE

REDUCTION (GAIN
OF ELECTRONS)
TAKES PLACE AT
THE CATHODE CARBON CATHODE

ANODE 3O2- 1½O2 + 6e- OXIDATION

CATHODE 2Al3+ + 6e- 2Al REDUCTION

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

ELECTRONS
OXIDATION (LOSS OF
ELECTRONS) TAKES PLACE
AT THE ANODE
CARBON ANODE

REDUCTION (GAIN
OF ELECTRONS)
TAKES PLACE AT
THE CATHODE CARBON CATHODE

ANODE 3O2- 1½O2 + 6e- OXIDATION

CATHODE 2Al3+ + 6e- 2Al REDUCTION

 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

CARBON DIOXIDE
PROBLEM
THE CARBON
CARBON ANODE
ANODES REACT
WITH THE
OXYGEN TO
PRODUCE
CARBON DIOXIDE
 EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM

CARBON DIOXIDE
PROBLEM
THE CARBON
CARBON ANODE
ANODES REACT
WITH THE
OXYGEN TO
PRODUCE
CARBON DIOXIDE

THE ANODES HAVE TO BE REPLACED AT

REGULAR INTERVALS, THUS ADDING TO THE
COST OF THE EXTRACTION PROCESS
 USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM

LOW DENSITY AND OVERHEAD CABLES

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

LOW DENSITY AIRCRAFT BODIES

needs to be an alloyed with
other metals for extra strength

GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY SAUCEPANS

 USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM

LOW DENSITY AND OVERHEAD CABLES

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

LOW DENSITY AIRCRAFT BODIES

needs to be an alloyed with
other metals for extra strength

GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY SAUCEPANS

Aluminium is not as reactive as one would

predict from its position in the reactivity series. THIN LAYER
OF OXIDE
This is because a thin layer of oxide quickly
forms on the surface and prevents any further
reaction taking place.
 USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM

LOW DENSITY AND OVERHEAD CABLES

ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

LOW DENSITY AIRCRAFT BODIES

needs to be an alloyed with
other metals for extra strength

GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY SAUCEPANS

Aluminium is not as reactive as one would

predict from its position in the reactivity series. THIN LAYER
OF OXIDE
This is because a thin layer of oxide quickly
forms on the surface and prevents any further
reaction taking place.

ANODISING puts on a controlled layer of oxide so the metal can be used

for household items such as pans and electrical goods.
 USES OF ALUMINIUM
ANODISING

This puts on a controlled layer of

oxide so that the metal can be + -
used for household items such as
pans and electrical goods.

The aluminium object is made the

anode in the electrolysis of dilute
sulphuric acid.
aluminium
Oxygen given of at the anode object to be cathode
reacts with the aluminium surface, anodised
to build up a very thin film of dilute
oxide. sulphuric
acid
ELECTROLYSIS OF…
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

Pb2+

Br- Br-

ANODE

CATHODE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

Br Br
Pb
Pb2+

Br- Br-

ANODE 2Br- Br2 + 2e- OXIDATION

CATHODE Pb2+ + 2e- Pb REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

SO42-

ANODE

CATHODE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

H H
O O
H H
SO42-

ANODE 4OH- 2H2O + O2 + 4e- OXIDATION

CATHODE 4H+ + 4e- 2H2 REDUCTION

 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

H H
O O
H H
SO42-

This electrolysis
ANODE 4OH -
2H2O + O2 + 4e -
OXIDATION
can be used to
deduce the
CATHODE 4H+ + 4e- 2H2 REDUCTION
formula of water
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

SO42-

Cu2+

ANODE

CATHODE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

O O
Cu
SO42-

Cu2+

ANODE 4OH- 2H2O + O2 + 4e- OXIDATION

CATHODE 2Cu2+ + 4e- 2Cu REDUCTION

 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

A different reaction
takes place if the anode
is made of copper
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

SO42-
Cu

Cu2+

ANODE

CATHODE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

Cu
SO42-
Cu

Cu2+

ANODE Cu Cu2+ + 2e- OXIDATION

CATHODE Cu2+ + 2e- Cu REDUCTION

 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

Cu
SO42-
Cu

Cu2+

This electrolysis
can be used to
ANODE Cu Cu2+ + 2e- OXIDATION
purify copper or
CATHODE Cu2+ + 2e- Cu copper plate
REDUCTION
objects
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID

Cl-

ANODE

CATHODE
 ELECTROLYSIS OF…
DILUTE HYDROCHLORIC ACID

H H
Cl Cl
Cl-

ANODE 2Cl- Cl2 + 2e- OXIDATION

CATHODE 2H+ + 2e- H2 REDUCTION

 COMPOSITION OF WATER
WATER IS AN EXTREMELY POOR CONDUCTOR OF
ELECTRICITY. Dilute sulphuric acid must be added to HOFFMAN
improve Its conductivity. VOLTAMETER

Fill both limbs of a Hoffman Voltameter with water,

(acidified with a small amount of dilute sulphuric acid).
Pass a direct current through the apparatus.

ANODE (+) - a colourless gas collected

- the gas re-lit a glowing splint

CATHODE (-) - a colourless gas collected

- its volume was twice that at anode
- gas exploded with a squeaky pop
when a lighted splint was applied

Conclusion Water can be split into its elements

by passing electricity through it.

water ——> hydrogen (2 vols) + oxygen (1 vol).

ELECTROLYSIS
THE END

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