Electrolysis

Objectives
1. Write half equations for electrolysis.
2. Through observations establish the
products at the electrodes for your
aqueous salt.
3. To establish rules for deciding which
product is formed in aqueous
electrolysis.

Fuel cells
In a space rocket. Fuel cells react hydrogen
with oxygen:
2H2 + O2 ---- 2H2O this makes electricity
and drinking water
Water is electrolysed to make oxygen:
2H2O ---- 2H2 + O2

Electrolysis of Water
2H2O ---- 2H2 + O2

Hydrogen used as a fuel

Oxygen made used in nuclear submarines
and spacecraft.

Half Equations for Water

Anode :
4OH- ------------ O2 + 2H2O + 4eCathode:
2H+ + 2e- ------- H2

Aqueous Salts
Copper chloride - Alex
Copper sulphate Ian
Sodium Bromide Charlotte
Potassium chloride Harry
Magnesium chloride Lucy
Potassium iodide Ellen
Sulphuric acid Kirsten/Jack
Hydrochloric acid Harold/Cuong

Products
Compound anode
CuCl2

cathode
Alex

CuSO4

Ian

NaBr
KCl
MgCl2

charlotte
Harry
Lucy

KI
H2SO4

Ellen
Kirsten

HCl

Harold

Discharge of Positive Ions

Gold
Silver
Copper
Hydrogen
Lead
Iron
Zinc
Aluminium
Magnesium
Calcium
Sodium
Potassium

Most easily discharged

Discharge of Negative Ions

Iodine

2I- - 2e- ---- I2

Bromine
Chlorine
Oxygen

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

Sulphate

Homework
Write an essay on electrolysis:
Theory and uses of electrolysis
Include:
Electrolysis of molten aluminium oxide
p.140-141
Look up electrolysis of aqueous salts on
wikepedia.