ELECTROLYSIS

A guide for GCSE students

KNOCKHARDY PUBLISHING

2010

SPECIFICATIONS

ELECTROLYSIS
INTRODUCTION
This Powerpoint show is one of several produced to help students
understand selected GCSE Chemistry topics. It is based on the requirements
of the AQA specification but is suitable for other examination boards.
Individual students may use the material at home for revision purposes and
it can also prove useful for classroom teaching with an interactive white
board.
Accompanying notes on this, and the full range of AS and A2 Chemistry
topics, are available from the KNOCKHARDY WEBSITE at...

www.knockhardy.org.uk

All diagrams, photographs and any animations in this Powerpoint are

original and created by Jonathan Hopton. Permission must be
obtained for their use in any work that is distributed for financial gain.

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
or

ions 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
or

(metals / graphite)

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 DONT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

MOLTEN

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Na+

Na+

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Na+

Na+

ClNa+

ClNa+

Cl-

ClNa+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE

WHEN MOLTEN, THE IONS

ARE FREE TO MOVE

NO CONDUCTION
OF ELECTRICITY

ELECTRICITY IS
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 DONT CONDUCT ELECTRICITY

ELECTROLYSIS OF IONIC COMPOUNDS

SOLID

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Na+

Na+

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Cl-

Add to water

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-

Cl-

Na+

Cl-

Na+

WHEN SOLID, THE IONS

ARE NOT FREE TO MOVE
NO CONDUCTION
OF ELECTRICITY

Na+

ClNa+

ClNa+

Cl-

ClNa+

WHEN DISSOLVED IN
WATER, THE IONS ARE
FREE TO MOVE
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
Cl2Cl-

Cl + eCl2 + 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
Cl2Cl-

Cl + eCl2 + 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
Cl2Cl-

Cl + eCl2 + 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-

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE
HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
H+ + e2H+ + 2e-

H
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+ + e2H+ + 2e-

H
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+ + e2H+ + 2e-

H
H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
Cl-

Cl + e-

2ClCl2 + 2eThe 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+ + e2H+ + 2e-

H
H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
Cl2Cl-

Cl + eCl2 + 2e-

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
SOLUTION REMAINS

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE
HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
H+ + e2H+ + 2e-

H
H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
Cl2Cl-

Cl + eCl2 + 2e-

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
SOLUTION REMAINS

ELECTROLYSIS OF BRINE
SUMMARY
AT THE NEGATIVE CATHODE
HYDROGEN IONS PICK UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
H+ + e2H+ + 2e-

H
H2

AT THE POSITIVE ANODE

CHLORIDE IONS GIVE UP AN
ELECTRON AND BECOME ATOMS
Cl2Cl-

Cl + eCl2 + 2e-

SODIUM HYDROXIDE
SOLUTION REMAINS

INDUSTRIAL
ELECTROLYSIS
OF BRINE

SODIUM CHLORIDE
THE DIAPHRAGM CELL
CHLORINE GAS

HYDROGEN GAS

BRINE
IONS

IONS

DIAPHRAGM
STOPS CHLORINE MIXING
WITH SODIUM HYDROXIDE

SODIUM
HYDROXIDE
SOLUTION
(CAUSTIC SODA)

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
ELECTROLYSING BRINE
RATHER THAN MOLTEN SODIUM
CHLORIDE?

LESS ENERGY IS NEEDED

BECAUSE YOU DONT HAVE TO
MELT THE 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

POSITIVE ANODE?

CHLORIDE IONS ARE OXIDISED

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

NEGATIVE CATHODE?

HYDROGEN IONS ARE REDUCED

H+ + e

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
DIAPHRAGM FOR?

PREVENTS CHLORINE COMING INTO

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
PRODUCED?

THE SOLUTION CONTAINS SODIUM

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
HYDROXIDE

production of soaps and detergents

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
ATTRACTED TO
THE POSITIVE
ANODE

CARBON 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-

1O2 + 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-

CATHODE

2Al3+ + 6e-

1O2 + 6e2Al

OXIDATION
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-

CATHODE

2Al3+ + 6e-

1O2 + 6e2Al

OXIDATION
REDUCTION

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
CARBON DIOXIDE

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

CARBON ANODE

EXTRACTION OF ALUMINIUM
CARBON DIOXIDE

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

CARBON ANODE

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
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

OVERHEAD CABLES

LOW DENSITY
needs to be an alloyed with
other metals for extra strength

AIRCRAFT BODIES

GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY

SAUCEPANS

USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM
LOW DENSITY AND
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

OVERHEAD CABLES

LOW DENSITY
needs to be an alloyed with
other metals for extra strength

AIRCRAFT BODIES

GOOD HEAT CONDUCTIVITY

SAUCEPANS

Aluminium is not as reactive as one would

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

THIN LAYER
OF OXIDE

USES OF ALUMINIUM
THE IMPORTANCE OF ALUMINIUM
LOW DENSITY AND
ELECTRICAL CONDUCTIVITY

OVERHEAD CABLES

LOW DENSITY
needs to be an alloyed with
other metals for extra strength

AIRCRAFT BODIES

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.
Oxygen given of at the anode
reacts with the aluminium surface,
to build up a very thin film of
oxide.

aluminium
object to be
anodised

cathode
dilute
sulphuric
acid

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

Pb2+
Br-

ANODE
CATHODE

Br-

ELECTROLYSIS OF
MOLTEN LEAD BROMIDE

Br

Pb

Br

Pb2+
Br-

Br-

ANODE

2Br-

Br2 + 2e-

CATHODE

Pb2+ + 2e- Pb

OXIDATION
REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

SO42-

ANODE
CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

O O

H H
H H

SO42-

ANODE

4OH-

CATHODE

4H+ + 4e-

2H2O + O2 + 4e-

OXIDATION

2H2

REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
DILUTE SULPHURIC ACID

O O

H H
H H

SO42-

ANODE

4OH

2H2O + O2 + 4e

CATHODE

4H+ + 4e-

2H2

This electrolysis
OXIDATION
can
be used to
deduce the
REDUCTION
formula
of water

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

SO42Cu2+

ANODE
CATHODE

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with carbon electrodes)

O O
Cu

SO42Cu2+

ANODE

4OH-

CATHODE

2Cu2+ + 4e-

2H2O + O2 + 4e-

OXIDATION

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)

SO42Cu2+

ANODE
CATHODE

Cu

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

Cu

SO42-

Cu

Cu2+

ANODE

Cu

CATHODE

Cu2+ + 2e-

Cu2+ + 2eCu

OXIDATION
REDUCTION

ELECTROLYSIS OF
AQUEOUS COPPER SULPHATE (with copper anode)

Cu

SO42-

Cu

Cu2+

ANODE

Cu

CATHODE

Cu2+ + 2e-

Cu2+ + 2eCu

This electrolysis
can be used to
OXIDATION
purify copper or
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-

CATHODE

2H+ + 2e-

Cl2 + 2eH2

OXIDATION
REDUCTION

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

HOFFMAN
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

2011 JONATHAN HOPTON & KNOCKHARDY PUBLISHING