Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Substances
Electrolyte
chemical compound that
can conduct electricity in the
molten state or in an
aqueous solution and
undergo chemical changes
Non - electrolyte
sulphur, naphthalene,
glucose,
tetrachloromethane
Electrodes are conductors of electricity. Electric current enters or leaves the circuit
through the electrodes.
Graphite or platinum is usually used as electrodes because they are inert (do not react
with electrolytes or products of electrolysis).
Anode is the electrode connected to the positive terminal of the batteries. Anions
(negatively-charged ions) in the electrolyte are attracted to the anode (positive
electrode).
Cathode is the electrode connected to the negative terminal of the batteries. Cat ions
(positively-charged ions) in the electrolyte are attracted to the anode (negative
electrode).
All electrolytes will dissociate into cat ions and anions in the molten states or aqueous
solutions.
Figure above shows the apparatus set up for electrolysis of molten lead (II) bromide.
The electrolysis process starts when lean (II) bromide starts melting.
At the Cathode
At the Anode
Ion presence:
Ion presence:
2+
Pb
BrObservation
Observation
When electricity is flowing, a silvery deposit When electricity is flowing, brown fumes of
of lead metal forms on the cathode. In fact, bromine gas are seen at the anode.
as it is molten, it is more likely to drip off in a
molten blob.
Half equation
Half equation
2+
Pb + 2e ---> Pb
2Br- ---> Br2 + e
Summary:
the lead(II) bromide is split into its component elements :
PbBr2 ---> Pb + Br2
Explanation
At the Anode
1. The negatively charged bromide ions move to the positive anode
2. Each bromine ion loses an electron to form a bromine atom.
3. Two of these newly formed atoms combine to form a bromine molecule (bromine gas).
At the Cathode
1. The positively charged lead(II) ions, move to the negative cathode,
2. Each ion gains two electrons to form a lead atom.
Electrolysis
of Concentrated Hydrochloric Acid
Ions presence at
Anode:
Cl-, OHCathode:
H+
Observation at
Anode:
A greenish yellow gas produced. When a
blue litmus paper is inserted into the
test tube that contain the gas, the blue
litmus paper turn red and then become
colourless.
Cathode
Colour gas is produced. When a lighted
wooden splinter is brought close to the
test tube that contains the gas, a "pop"
sound produced.
Half Equation of the Reaction at
Anode:
2Cl- Cl + 2e
Cathode:
H+ + 2e H2
Note: At anode, the position of hydroxide ion (OH -) is lower compare to chloride ion (Cl -).
However, chloride is selected to be discharged because its concentration is much higher than
his concentration of hydroxide ion.
Additional Note:
1.
Electrod
e
Inert Electrode
Inert electrodes do not react
with electrolyte and does not
take part in the chemical
reaction.
(Example: Carbon,
platinum)
Active Electrode
Active electrode will react
with the electrolyte and take
part in the reaction.
(Example: Copper, Silver,
Mercury)
Anode:
OH-, SO42-
Cathode:
H+, Cu2+
Anode:
Cathode:
Observation at
Anode:
Colourless gas is produced. When a
glowing wooden splinter is inserted into
the test tube that contains the gas, the
wooden splinter is rekindled.
Observation at
Anode:
The electrode becomes thinner.
Cathode
The electrode become thicker.
Cathode
The electrode become thicker.
Note:
For the electrolysis of copper(II) sulphate solution by using copper electrodes, both the hydroxide and sulphate ions
are not selected to be discharged, Instead, the copper electrode ionise to form copper(II) ions. The electrode has
taken part in the reaction!
Electroplating
1.
2.
Electroplating is used to
a.
prevent corrosion
b.
2. In electroplating,
a.
b.
c.
Purifying Of Copper
1. Copper is a good electrical conductor and is used extensively to make electrical wiring
and components. However, the presence of impurity in copper can reduce its electrical
conductivity.
2. In industry, electrolysis processed is used to purify copper, and the process is called
electrolytic refining.
A simple voltaic cell consists of two metal plates of different metals immerse in an
electrolyte.
The metal which is higher in electrochemical series will become the negative
terminal.
The atom of the metal which is higher in electrochemical series will release electron
to form negative ions.
The electrons are then move to the other metal plate through the wire.
The metal which is lower in electrochemical series will become the positive terminal.
In positive terminal, the electrons will be released to the positive ions in the
electrolyte.
In a voltaic cell, the negative terminal is the anode while the positive terminal is the
cathode
.
Daniel Cell
The Daniell cell was invented in 1836 by a British chemist name John Frederic Daniell.
It was invented to eliminate the hydrogen bubble problem found in the simple voltaic
cell.
The Daniell cell consists of a zinc electrode and a copper electrode.
The zinc electrode is immersed in zinc sulphate solution (or sulphuric acid) whereas the
copper electrode is immersed in copper (II) sulphate solution.
Figure below shows the illustration of the Daniell cell.
1.
A Daniel Cell can be substitute by a design as showing in diagram above. The chemical
reaction remains the same as the Daniel cell.
2.
Using salt bridge can reduce the internal resistance of the cell.
3.
The function of the salt bridge is to allow ions follow from one solution to another to
complete the circuit.