Homework 1 - Electrolysis of sodium chloride
Published:
Homework 1 - Electrolysis
I am learning about electrolysis so I can explain how it is used on molten ionic compounds
Electrolysis is the process of using electricity to split apart ionic compounds. The compounds can either be molten (liquid) or in a solution, as otherwise they will not conduct electricity.
The basic apparatus for electrolysis is always very similar:
[Diagram of electrolytic cell]
A useful mnemonic to remember the names of the electrodes is PANIC: positive anode, negative is cathode.
1. A student wants to electrolyse sodium chloride. If the sodium chloride is a solid, what must be done to it before it can be electrolysed?
____________________________________________________________________ (1)
2. Explain your answer.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________ (2)
3. What is the electrolyte in this case?
____________________________________________________________________ (1)
4. List the apparatus required to electrolyse sodium chloride.
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________
____________________________________________________________________ (5)
5. Which of the below will electrolysis work on? Tick or cross each one:
a. $MgCl_2(s)$ ___________
b. $Fe(l)$ ___________
c. $CO_2(aq)$ ___________
d. $F_2(aq)$ ___________
(4)
This question includes visual content: A labeled diagram of a basic electrolysis cell. It shows a beaker containing a liquid labeled 'electrolyte'. Two rectangular electrodes are dipped into the liquid. The left electrode is labeled 'positive electrode (anode)' and the right electrode is labeled 'negative electrode (cathode)'. Both electrodes are connected by wires to a 'power supply' at the top, which is indicated by a standard battery symbol ($+ || -$). The background of the beaker area has a faint grid pattern.
Animated Video Solution
The first half plays free, the full solution is in the app.
Step by Step Written Solution
Let's work through this homework assignment on electrolysis. We'll start by looking at how to electrolyse sodium chloride.
Electrolysis of Sodium Chloride
Question one asks what must be done to solid sodium chloride before it can be electrolysed. For electrolysis to work, the ions must be free to move.
1. What must be done to solid sodium chloride?
The sodium chloride must be melted or dissolved in water to make it a liquid or an aqueous solution. We usually say it must be molten or in solution.
For question two, let's explain why. In a solid, the ions are held in a rigid lattice structure by strong ionic bonds, so they cannot move. When melted or dissolved, these bonds are broken, allowing ions to move toward the electrodes and carry a current.
2. Explain your answer.
Moving on to question three: what is the electrolyte in this case?
Electrolysis Continued
3. What is the electrolyte?
The electrolyte is the substance that undergoes electrolysis. Here, it is the molten sodium chloride or the sodium chloride solution.
Question four asks for a list of apparatus required. Looking at the diagram provided in the text, we can see several key components.
4. List the apparatus required:
The rest of this solution is on Solvi
7 more steps are locked. Watch the full animated, narrated solution for free.
Snap a photo, solve any question like this.
Watch the Rest for Free
Free to download · First solutions are on us
