ELECTROLYSIS Decomposition using an electric current
Electrolysis Cell Battery – provides power to start reaction Wires – carry the current Electrodes – carry the electric current into the electrolyte, does not react Cathode – negative electrode, attracts positive ions Anode – positive electrode, attracts negative ions Electrolyte – molten ionic salt, is decomposed by the current
Electrolysis of molten lead bromide
Electrolysis of molten lead bromide Lead bromide = lead + bromine Fume cupboard – toxic bromine fumes Carbon electrodes Heated to melt salt – allows ions to move Silver beads of lead formed at the cathode (-) Orange fumes of bromine form at the anode (+)
Extraction of aluminium
Aluminium oxide = aluminium + oxygen Cryolite is added to reduce the melting point of aluminium oxide Carbon electrodes are used Aluminium metal is formed at the cathode Oxygen gas is formed at the anode Oxygen reacts with the carbon anode wearing it away, the anode has to be replaced
Purification of Copper
Impure copper is placed on the anode (+) Pure copper is placed on the cathode (-) Copper sulphate solution is the electrolyte No colour change occurs in the electrolyte