Chapter 6 Electrochemistry
6.1 Electrolysis
1. Electrolysis is a process where a __________________ is separated into its constituent
elements when ____________________ passes through an __________________.
2. In electrolysis, energy is changed as shown below:
___________________ → chemical energy
3. The apparatus used in an electrolytic cell consists of a dry cell or battery, an electrolyte and two
electrodes as shown below.
Electrolytic cell
Electrolyte
(a) An electrolyte is a compound in a_____________ form or in ___________________which conducts
electric current.
(b) Electrolyte contains two types of charged ____________ which move freely:
(i) Ion with positive charge (_____________), for example, metal ions and hydrogen ions.
(ii) Ion with negative charge (_____________), for example, non-metal ions.
(c) Example of electrolyte:
_______________________________________________________________
Electrode
(a) Electrode is a ___________________ which is immersed in an electrolyte and connected to an
electric source.
(b) Examples of electrode: _________________(graphite) and platinum.
(c) The electrode connected to the positive terminal of the cell is positive electrode and is given a
name, ________________.
(d) The electrode connected to the negative terminal of the cell is negative electrode and is called
the ________________.
Ammeter
Ammeter is used to detect the flow of __________________in the circuit.
Dry cell or battery
The source that generates ___________________ energy.
Electrolysis of Molten lead (II) bromide
1. Figure above shows the apparatus set up for electrolysis of molten lead (II) bromide.
2. Lead (II) bromide powder in a crucible is heated.
3. The electrolysis process start when le an (II) bromide start melting.
4. At the Cathode
When electricity is flowing, a silvery deposit of lead metal forms on the cathode.
5. At the Anode
When electricity is flowing, brown fumes of bromine gas are seen at the anode.
Explanation:
6. Thus, electrolysis of lead (II) bromide produces ________________ and __________________.
Electrolysis of Copper (II) Chloride Solution
1. Electrolysis of copper (II) chloride solution.
(a) Copper (II) ion with positive charge will attract to ______________ to discharge to form _________.
(b) Chloride ion will attract to _____________ to discharge to form __________________.
(c) At anode, chloride ions lose electrons. Greenish gas which can bleach the litmus paper is produced.
(d) At cathode, copper (II) ion receives electron. Brown solid deposited on the surface of the electrode.
2. Thus, electrolysis of copper (II) chloride produces __________________ and _______________ gas.
5.4.2 Reactivity Series and Extraction of Metals
1. The method that is used in the extraction of metal from its are depends on the position of
the metal in the _________________________ of metals.
2. Metals which are located higher than carbon in the reactivity series are extracted from their molten
ores using the ______________________ method.
3. Metals which are located lower than carbon in the reactivity series are extracted using
the ____________________ method with coke (or carbon).
4. Carbon is used in the extraction process because
(a) It is ________________
(b) Easily _______________
5. Metals located the lowest in the reactivity series like silver and gold can be extracted naturally
without any complex chemical reaction. These metals exist as free elements in the Earth’s crust.
Factor that affect Electrolysis
1. Position of ions in Electrochemical Series
2. The tendency of ions to be ____________________________at an electrode depends on their
position in a series called the electrochemical series.
3. The ions at the top of the list is more difficult to be discharged, but as we go down the table, they
become easier to be discharged.
4. During electrolysis, the ion in the lower position will be selected to be discharge.
5. Figure below shows the electrochemical series for the positive and negative ions.
Example 1: Electrolysis of Aqueous Sulphuric Acid
1. Carbon electrodes are used as the anode and cathode.
2. Sulphuric acid ionise to form hydrogen ions and sulphuric ions.
4. In an aqueous solution, water molecules will also ionise to form hydrogen ions and hydroxide
ions.
5. Therefore, the ions that present in the solution are H+ , SO42-, H+ and OH–
At anode (Positive Electrode)
1. The negative ions (SO42- and OH–) will be attracted to the anode.
2. OH– ions is lower than SO42- ions in electrochemical series, hence the OH– ions will be selected to
be discharged at anode.
3. The OH– ions discharged to form water and oxygen gas.
Observation:
Colourless gas bubbles are released around anode. When a glowing wooden splinter is inserted into
the test tube that contain the gas, the wooden splinter light up.
At cathode (Negative Electrode)
1. The positive ions (H+) are attracted to cathode.
2. The H+ ions are discharged to form hydrogen molecule.
Observation:
Colourless gas bubbles are released around cathode. When a lighted wooden splinter is brought close
to the mouth of the test tube that contain the gas, a “pop” sound is produced.
Note:
Selective discharge occur at anode when there are more than one type of ions present. The ions
located lower in the electrochemical series is selected to be discharge.
Example 2: Electrolysis of Silver Nitrate Solution
2. Concentration of ion
If the concentration of a particular ion is high, it may be selected to be discharged even though it is
higher in the electrochemical series compares with another ion present in the solution.
Example
Electrolysis of Diluted Hydrochloric Acid Electrolysis of Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
Ions presence at Ions presence at
Anode: Anode:
Cl–, OH– Cl–, OH–
Cathode: Cathode:
H+ H+
3. Type of Electrode
There are 2 types of electrode:
a. Inert electrode
Inert electrodes do not react with electrolyte and do not take part in the chemical
reaction. (Example: Carbon, platinum)
b. Active electrode
The active electrode will react with the electrolyte and take part in the reaction. (Example: Copper,
Silver, Mercury)
Example: Electrolysis of Copper(II) Sulphate with Carbon/Copper Electrodes
Using Carbon Electrode Using Copper Electrode
Ions presence at Ions presence at
Anode: Anode:
OH–, SO42- OH–, SO42-
Cathode: Cathode:
H+, Cu2+ H+, Cu2+
Observation at Observation at
Anode: Anode:
Colourless gas is produced. When a glowing The electrode becomes thinner.
wooden splinter is inserted into the test Cathode
tube that contains the gas, the wooden The electrode becomes thicker.
splinter is rekindled. Colour of the Solution:
Cathode Remain unchanged
The electrode become thicker.
Colour of the Solution:
Become paler