Electrolysis
An ionic compound occurs when a negative ion (an atom that has gained an electron) joins with a positive ion (an atom that has lost an electron). conduct electricity when their Electrically charged particle, formed when an atom or molecule gains or loses electrons. are free to move.
Ions can move in the liquid state (after melting) or in aqueous solution (after dissolving in water).
The molten or dissolved substance is called the A substance which, when molten or in solution, will conduct an electric current.. The decomposition (breakdown) of a compound using an electric current. is the decomposition of an electrolyte by an electric current. It is used to extract reactive metals from their A rock containing enough quantities of a mineral for extraction to be possible..
Electrolysis needs:
- a Direct current. electrical supply
- a negative A conductor used to establish electrical contact with a circuit. The electrode attached to the negative terminal of a battery is called a negative electrode, or cathode. The electrode attached to the positive terminal of a battery is the positive electrode, or anode., called a The negative electrode during electrolysis.
- a positive electrode, called an The positive electrode during electrolysis.
During electrolysis:
- positive ions, An atom or group of atoms that have lost electrons and become positively charged. Most cations are formed from metals., move to the cathode
- negative ions, An atom or group of atoms that have gained electrons and become negatively charged. Most anions are formed from non-metals., move to the anode