Complete the word search of the

keywords of todays lesson.

Complete it quietly and on your own.

Learning Outcomes
ALL State what electrolysis is

MOST Predict the products of electrolysis

SOME Describe how electrolysis works in
terms of
ions, electrodes and
charges

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9
xS9t-KMpc

Electrolysis is splitting up
substances using
electricity
(Lysis is latin for splitting)

What is electrolysis?
Electric current is used to
breakdown a substance made up
of ions
An electrolyte is the name for
the substance being broken down

Electrolytes

Electrolysis requires a liquid to conduct

the electricity, called the electrolyte.
Electrolytes contain free ions
theyre usually the molten or dissolved
ionic substance.
In either case its the free ions which
conduct the electricity and allow the
whole thing to work.

How electrolysis works

Electrolysis is based on an electrical
circuit that includes an electrolyte
and two electrodes.
In electrolysis, the electrodes are
placed into the electrolyte and ions
move from one electrode to the other
this allows the conduction of
electricity through the circuit.

Gaining/Losing Electrons
Electrons are taken away from ions at
the positive electrode
Electrons are given to other ions at
the negative electrode.
As ions gain or lose electrons they
become atoms or molecules and are
released.
These atoms or molecules are the
products of electrolysis.

Example Lead Bromide

Lead bromide (PbBr2) is an ionic
compound, so when it is molten it will
conduct electricity.
Electrolysis of lead bromide breaks it
down into lead (Pb) and bromine (Br2).
So, the electrolyte is lead bromide and
Molten lead bromide contains positively charged lead ions
the products
of bromide
electrolysis
and negatively
charged
ions. are lead and
The positive
ions are attracted towards the negative electrode.
bromine.
Here, each lead ion gains two electrons and becomes a lead atom.
negative
The
Heres ions
how
works...
areitattracted
towards the positive electrode.
Here, bromide ions lose one electron each and form bromine
molecules (Br2).

Electrolysis set up
d.c. power
supply

Anode
(+ve electrode)

Cathode
(-ve electrode)

Electrolyte: this
is what will be
electrolysed

Dont PANIC - Positive

Anode, Negative Is Cathode.

Demo of how to do the

experiment
If you understand, hold up the green
card.
If your unsure, hold up the red card.

Electrolysis Practical
Carry out the practical in pairs.
Follow the instructions.
Whilst you are waiting, you can
complete the diagram of electrolysis

Complete the worksheet on your own

You have 4 minutes
Now pass to the person your sitting
next to, they will mark it for.
Set your partner a target

Electrolysis
doesnt involve
electricity

False

The anode is the

positive
electrode

True

The cathode
attracts
positive
Trueions

We used carbon
electrodes in
todays practical

False

The anode
attracts
positive ions

False

Electric current is used

to breakdown a
substance made up of
ions

True

An electrolyte is the name for

the substance being made up.

False