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Electrolysis - Coggle Diagram
Electrolysis
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Electrolysis is the process that splits ionic compounds into the different elements that they are made of. Electrolysis happens using a solution that conducts electricity.
ELECTROLYTE
When ionic compounds are melted or dissolved in water, the ions (charged particles that have gained/lost electrons) are free to move around, and the liquid/solution will conduct electricity.
Ionic compounds that dissolve in water to make a solution that conducts electricity are called electrolytes.
ELECTRODES
When a voltage (direct current) is applied across an electrolyte, the charged ions are attracted to the electrode with the opposite charge to the ion.
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ELEMENTS
When an ion touches an electrode, electrons can be transferred, producing elements.
E.g. if copper ions (Cu2+) are in a solution and a voltage is applied, they'll move to the cathode (negative electrode). When they touch the cathode, each Cu2+ ion will gain 2 electrons and form a copper metal.
EXTRACTING METALS
Electrolysis is used to extract reactive metals from molten ores (melted materials containing metals). Electrolysis is used to extract metals such as aluminium, which are higher in the reactivity series than carbon.
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AQUEOUS SOLUTIONS
The products of the electrolysis of aqueous solutions are difficult to predict because the water molecules in the solution split up to give hydrogen (H+) and hydroxide (OH-) ions.
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